Overweight and Pregnancy

If your BMI reading is classed as being either overweight or obese, it's vital to make sure you know how to manage your weight in the best way possible

The definition of being overweight during pregnancy: What is it? 

Your healthcare provider will take a recording of your BMI by measuring your height and weight to determine if your weight is within a healthy range. BMI readings will be calculated on your weight prior to pregnancy.

Once you find out your BMI results, use the below scale to get a definition of your reading

Less than: 18.5 - Underweight

Between: 18.5 to 24.9 - Healthy 

Between 25 to 29.9 - Overweight

Between: 30 to 39.99 - Obese

40 - Severely obese

During your first antenatal visit with your midwife, they should take a recording of your height and weight to discover your BMI reading. It can be hard not to be overly sensitive when you hear words such as "obese" to describe your weight, especially from your healthcare provider. It's important to remember that you are not being judged in any way during these appointments. Medical experts will use terms like "overweight" and "obese" to make sure they provide you with specific resources and support for your pregnancy. Every single woman's pregnancy journey is totally unique to them and not like anybody else. You may experience pregnancy symptoms totally different to what your friends may have. 

Being overweight during pregnancy: Risks that may affect you and your baby

If your BMI is over 25 either before pregnancy or in the early stages, this can have a negative effect on both you and your baby's health. Simply put, the higher the BMI, the higher the risk.

Your baby can experience the following problems if you have a high BMI:

As difficult as this can be to read, if you relate to any of the above, just know that you will have extra care provided throughout the entirety of your pregnancy. The good news is there are still lots of different methods and exercises you can perform to lower the risks of the above and experience an overall healthier pregnancy.

There are still a number of different activities and lifestyle choices you can do to make sure your pregnancy is a healthy one. 

Exercise is such a magnificent tool, especially during pregnancy. Doing just 15 minutes a day, 3x a week will greatly benefit you when it comes to labour and your postpartum recovery. As the weeks go on you can increase the intensity by doing longer workouts, perhaps building up to the recommended 150 minutes each week. You can also add low-impact forms of exercise to your daily routine such as: 

ALL ACTIVITY COUNTS

If you're confused in any way about how to start an exercise routine during pregnancy, then make sure to get in contact by using the live chat window and I can advise you on the best pregnancy program specific to you

Reference :https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/existing-health-conditions/overweight/#:~:text=If%20you%20are%20obese%2C%20usually,to%20all%20your%20antenatal%20appointments.