Weight and Pregnancy

For the first time in 20 years, obesity rates for women have leveled off (unfortunately not the case for children and men). Still over one third of Utah women are obese with a BMI greater than 30. (Check your BMI)

In Utah we saw a 40% increase in overweight and obesity before pregnancy in women from 1991 to 2001.

Obesity in pregnancy is associated with pregnancy problems like gestational diabetes, increased blood pressure and cesarean deliveries. In fact, a study conducted between the University of Utah and UDOH showed that one in seven Cesareans are the result of overweight and obesity.

For the healthiest pregnancy possible, it is best to be at normal weight before conception.

To do so:

• Be active. Increase your moderate to vigorous physical activity to 30 minutes most days of the week. Walking 30 minutes five times per week burns ten pounds of energy each year. By increasing activity you decrease your weight, but also decrease your chances of getting heart disease and diabetes. Physical activity also slows bone loss and decreases depression and anxiety.
• Drink water. Drinking one 12-ounce soda each day can make you gain 10 pounds each year!
• Watch your portions. Meat servings should be the size of a deck of cards. Starches (rice and potatoes) the size of tennis ball. Half of your plate should be filled with vegetables and fruit. Normal plate size is 9 inches.

To learn more about how to manage your weight with simple, no-nonsense solutions, visit www.checkyourhealth.org.