Obesity Plus C-Section Creates A Negative Health Cycle
Obesity and C-sections, when linked together, may be creating a negative health cycle of sorts. [caption id="attachment_12711" align="aligncenter" width="450" caption="Healthy...
Obesity and C-sections, when linked together, may be creating a negative health cycle of sorts. [caption id="attachment_12711" align="aligncenter" width="450" caption="Healthy Pregnancy Weight Photo © Flickr user Tommy and Georgie"]
[/caption] Here's a quick rundown of the facts: 1. Women who are obese or overweight during pregnancy are more likely to end up having a C-section birth. 2. In turn, a new study shows that babies born by C-section are more likely to be obese as adults than those born vaginally. 3. Which brings us back to the fact that obese women are more likely to have C-sections... and well, you get the picture. It's a spiraling health problem. In fact, weight issues are even affecting babies now - 1/3 of babies are obese by 9 months of age. Not only can C-sections possibly lead to weight issues as an adult, but C-sections are more dangerous than vaginal birth. Not to mention, C-section rates in the United States are seriously overblown in the first place, keeping in mind that a C-section is actual surgery, not some tiny procedure. There are very real C-section risks for mothers and babies. Is being overweight while pregnant really that dangerous? This isn't a difficult question - adult women, who are a healthy weight for their body type and size, are more likely to have a healthier pregnancy and an easier labor and birth experience. Fewer obese and overweight women will result in fewer C-sections and healthier babies. Now, there are advocates for overweight people, who think we should be ok with everyone, no matter their size. Acceptance of people in spite of any difference is one thing, but this isn't about being politically correct. It's a health issue. It's about healthy women, healthy pregnancies and healthy babies. An astounding amount of research backs up the fact that women who are overweight have harder and less healthy pregnancies and births. For example:
[/caption] What you can do to have a healthy pregnancy, easier birth and a healthy tot:
[/caption] Here's a quick rundown of the facts: 1. Women who are obese or overweight during pregnancy are more likely to end up having a C-section birth. 2. In turn, a new study shows that babies born by C-section are more likely to be obese as adults than those born vaginally. 3. Which brings us back to the fact that obese women are more likely to have C-sections... and well, you get the picture. It's a spiraling health problem. In fact, weight issues are even affecting babies now - 1/3 of babies are obese by 9 months of age. Not only can C-sections possibly lead to weight issues as an adult, but C-sections are more dangerous than vaginal birth. Not to mention, C-section rates in the United States are seriously overblown in the first place, keeping in mind that a C-section is actual surgery, not some tiny procedure. There are very real C-section risks for mothers and babies. Is being overweight while pregnant really that dangerous? This isn't a difficult question - adult women, who are a healthy weight for their body type and size, are more likely to have a healthier pregnancy and an easier labor and birth experience. Fewer obese and overweight women will result in fewer C-sections and healthier babies. Now, there are advocates for overweight people, who think we should be ok with everyone, no matter their size. Acceptance of people in spite of any difference is one thing, but this isn't about being politically correct. It's a health issue. It's about healthy women, healthy pregnancies and healthy babies. An astounding amount of research backs up the fact that women who are overweight have harder and less healthy pregnancies and births. For example:
- Being overweight puts you at risk for preeclampsia, a dangerious condition for mothers and babies.
- Obese pregnant women have a higher risk of pregnancy complications including gestational diabetes, hypertension, induction of labor and postpartum hemorrhage.
- Being overweight during pregnancy may increase your child's risk of being overweight. This is a big deal, considering that the childhood obesity rate has tripled here in America over the last 3 decades.
- Diabetes and/or high blood pressure (both conditions are associated with being overweight) have been linked with an increased risk of autism.
- Overweight women are more likely to have a baby with a heart defect.
- Being overweight equals a longer labor - trust me, you don't want that.
[/caption] What you can do to have a healthy pregnancy, easier birth and a healthy tot:
- Maintain a healthy weight prior to conception - weight is one topic you should discuss with your midwife or doctor prior to conception.
- If you're obese, shedding some weight during pregnancy won't harm your baby, according to new research.
- Plan healthy pregnancy meals.
- Exercise during pregnancy.
- Engage in safe postpartum exercise.
- Breastfeed!
- Get your child into healthy activities, such as exercise (play!) and healthy eating habits, early on.
