3 of 4

Write now Article Tools

The risks associated with being pregnant and obese can be embarrassing as well as dangerous. As my doctor stated, the more fat there is to cut through, the more painful recovery will be. The more weight that an expectant mother carries, gives way for additional complications such as varicose veins, strain on your heart and typically gestational diabetes and/or high blood pressure. I truly loved my doctor and he was not telling me anything that I had not thought about before anyways.

There are the little things like having a c-section and having to use a blow dryer to make the incision does not stay moist after a shower. The real kicker is that I initially could not get pregnant due to being overweight. I joined Weight Watchers and lost 10% of my body weight and was pregnant within six months. Unfortunately, I did not keep the weight off and went through the same routine two years later (lost 25 pounds again) and became pregnant with my daughter.

The risk of being obese are high whether you or pregnant or not pregnant. But the extra weight from being pregnant left me very winded after tying my own shoes or sweeping the kitchen floors.

The most important advice for any expectant mother, regardless of weight or size, is early and proper prenatal care. A competent physician will keep you closely monitored and treat you almost as a high risk pregnancy, which was fine with me. My feeling was always, better safe than sorry.

Two children later and finally almost thirty pounds lighter, I feel better about myself than ever and enjoy taking my children for nightly walks.

Learn more about this author, Penny Albitus.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Obesity and additional pregnancy risks?
We want to hear your view. Write now!