Pregnancy Weight Loss
I am discussing pregnancy weight loss following The CMACE/RCOG guidelines on the care of women with obesity in pregnancy.
- Primary care services should ensure that all women of childbearing age have the opportunity to optimise their weight before pregnancy. Advice on weight and lifestyle should be given during family planning consultations, and weight, body mass index and waist circumference should be regularly monitored.
- Women of childbearing age with a BMI _30 should receive information and advice about the risks of obesity during pregnancy and childbirth, and be supported to lose weight before conception.
Pregnancy weight loss requires a multidisciplinary approach
Pre – pregnancy Weight loss is to be recommended for several reasons. It can be an opportunity to prepare for the pregnancy, not only by losing weight, but exercise and eating healthily. Pre – pregnancy preparation would also encourage supplements including folic acid. Although folic acid supplements have been recommended for a long time, less than half of pregnant women in my area take this supplement before conception!
Please read and comment on the various points I raise in the post here titled Managing Obesity Before Pregnancy.
