Pre- Pregnancy Body Mass Index and Weight Gain During Pregnancy

This literature review will look into obesity in pregnancy and the influences its has on maternity care. The review will explore specifically health promotion including weight, dietary and exercise advice given to obese women, and will explore the challenges that come with giving weight related advice for the midwife and the women involved.

This case study will be based on a case holding experience, focusing on the effect that a raised body mass index (BMI) has on a woman. This essay will discuss and critically evaluate the relevant professional issues, psychosocial factors and the role of health and public health strategies, as well as integrate the evidence that supports it. This case study will focus on the care of a primiparous woman. In order to respect her right to privacy and confidentiality in all aspects of her care, and in accordance with the NMC code, she will be referred to under the pseudonym of “Emma” (Nursing and Midwifery Council,

In our time period, there is a significant increase in the average body index in all age groups and most commonly with the women who are entering their reproduction age. According to the article, “Weight Gain During Pregnancy”, a normal weighted gravida, or pregnant woman, has BMI of 18.5–24.9 Kg/m2, over-weight gravida has BMI of 25–29.9 Kg/m2, and obese gravida has BMI of 30 and greater Kg/m2. Obese pregnant women face many critical health risks compare to normal weight pregnant women. In the study “Maternal Obesity a Global Health Problem and Its Implications on Maternal and Fetal Health”, by Hashmi and his colleagues, they aimed to find out if obese women were at greater risk of having adverse reproductive outcomes compared to women with a normal BMI. By using

According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2011-2012, more than 34% of all adults are obese in that their BMI exceeds 24 (Ogden, Carroll, Kit, & Flegal, 2014). Interestingly, though this prevalence is high, it seems as though there has not been an increase since the same study done from 2003-2004. This seems to imply that we have plateaued at the peak that we have been rising towards since 1976 (Ogden, Carroll, Kit, & Flegal, 2014). To take this further, during the time of increasing incidences, in a study done from 1990-2004, it was seen that “the incidence of maternal obesity at the start of pregnancy [was] increasing and accelerating” which corresponds with the previous study’s findings (Heslehurst, et al.,

Multiple antenatal, antepartum, and postpartum challenges are incurred with a BMI of > 45. Miscarriage is at an increased risk among women with elevated BMI as well as prevalence of GDM and preexisting diabetes. First trimester screening for previously unrecognized diabetes with an early glucose screening is recommended. Obese women have an increased risk for hypertensive disorders as well as preeclampsia. It is not clear whether low-dose aspirin therapy is effective in reducing the likelihood of developing preeclampsia among women with an elevated BMI; however, low-dose aspirin is low-risk and therefore, can help decrease the risk for preeclampsia among women with moderate to high risk of developing the disease. Obstructive sleep apnea may be precipitated or exacerbated during pregnancy and may increase the risk of preeclampsia and GDM. Women who are obese have an increased risk for preterm birth. Maternal obesity is also associated with an increase in absolute rate of congenital anomalies. In addition, congenital anomalies are often more difficult to detect by prenatal ultrasound given acoustic limitations. (Detection decreases by 20%) Finally, there is an increased risk of dysfunctional labor in addition to complications that are incurred should an operative delivery be required. Weight gain goals recommended in obesity are 10-15 lb. Unfortunately, weight loss during pregnancy is not recommended. Serial surveillance

When thinking of public health in regards specifically to obesity, a study into maternal obesity and the long-term health of the offspring, found that ‘maternal obesity has been associated with a number of long-term adverse health outcomes in the offspring, including lifelong risk of obesity and metabolic dysregulation with increased insulin resistance, hypertension and dyslipidaemia, as well as behavioural problems and risk of asthma’ (O’Reilly et al, 2012:1), this highlights to us the implications not just to mother, but the long term effects to her child.

N.B. you should refer to at least 6 statistical analyses (marked with * in key definitions) plus refer to the graphs.

The main purpose of this assessment is to guarantee a healthy baby, with low risk to Angie’s health. At present Angie weigh’s 177.5 lbs. and her height is 5’5”, this puts her BMI at 30 she is classified as being obese (Grosvenor & Smolin, 2015, p. 292). She is currently experiencing some complications at this stage in her pregnancy. Additionally she desires to keep her weight in line with the recommended weight gain guidelines for pregnant women which are about 11-20 lbs., during her entire nine months of pregnancy (Grosvenor & Smolin, 2015, p. 369).

 Is the title a good one, succinctly suggesting key variables and the study population?

Obesity in America is an increasingly discussed topic, but because it is also an increasing concern it is important to look at the cotributions. With obesity rates rising it is a concern among the entire country. Why are people growing larger? Why are more children and young adults over their recommended weight gain? The reasoning’s behind this, while obvious, are much more than they appear upon closer inspection. The health of a pregnant women, prior to and during the pregnancy can be a factor affects obesity in our country. Cost, linking to poverty and costs of food, makes it harder to buy and afford healthy food. And, finally, time constraints for working adults. And so watching what we eat, lowering healthy food costs and learning to

The health issue that was addressed in the research is the increased risk of becoming obese. Obesity is a growing public health concern globally and therefore an indicator of why the findings of this research are newsworthy.2 In addition, the

Weight is and will always be a sensitive issue, especially during pregnancy. It is a very common issue but it can be kept under control. It is very important to know your weight before you get pregnant,then you will know how much weight you are supposed to gain.

Objectives: The objective of the research article was to test the use of metformin verses a placebo as a potential solution to reducing insulin resistance in order to reduce the incidence of obesity-related complications in women during pregnancy such as gestational diabetes mellitus and excessive gestational weight gain.

This is just one example of how obesity can be passed on from mother to fetus. Because we can only fill or empty our fat cells, a mothers’ plays a vital in the child’s odds of having obesity. And that’s why if you have childhood obesity you’re more likely to be obese even as an adult. Furthermore I found it very concerning, yet informative that it’s not just the diet of a women conception that effects the odds of babies having obesity but a mothers diet at least two years prior to conception. Although I agree with this argument, one point that I think they should have briefly discussed is the father diet before conception is important too. I think preventive care for both parents, not just the mother should be discussed because the both parents are part of the child’s dietary

Some studies have linked maternal nutrition exposures during pregnancy and later disease risk in infants with a wide range of birth weights, not just low birth weights (4).