In the case of being able to plan a pregnancy, the ideal is to make a nutritional consultation before beginning the search. This allows us to evaluate how the intake of the future mother is and if necessary, start the application of better eating habits right away. With regard to weight, if the woman is underweight, it will be necessary to work together to achieve an adequate weight (always investigating the causes and ruling out any dietary anomaly). On the other hand, if she is overweight or obese, it is recommended to accompany the woman to achieve the best possible weight when she becomes pregnant.
In no case is it considered as a strict diet, because we run the risk of an inadequate intake of nutrients. On the contrary, it should be considered as a change in lifestyle and diet.
Why is it not convenient to start pregnancy with overweight or obesity?
Currently the goal is eat for two and not for two. In this way we prevent sudden weight gain because we know the consequences of gaining excessive weight.
High overweight and obesity increases the risk of:
- Develop gestational diabetes.
- Develop pregnancy-induced high blood pressure.
- It makes recovery difficult, especially in the case of a cesarean delivery.
- Difficulty breastfeeding, among others.
What can we do from day 1?
From the first day, we can do some of the things that are mentioned below: within the diet, we can increase the consumption of fruits, vegetables, lean meats, especially fresh fish at least 1 or 2 times a week. Increase the consumption of low-fat dairy products, cereals in their integral versions such as brown rice, quinoa, durum wheat noodles, legumes, seeds, nuts and crude oils.
It is also recommended to start walking to incorporate some physical activity if the woman has a very sedentary lifestyle.
Above all, it is very important that you are able to discuss these issues with your obstetrician and nutritionist, since many women cannot achieve a healthy and possible weight when they become pregnant. However, they can enjoy a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby accompanied by professionals, regardless of how much they weigh or how much they have increased at the time of the consultation.
Obesity specialist nutritionist (MN 9739) Instagram: @lic.aracelivallone
Source: Ambito
