• Proper weight management during pregnancy can improve birth outcomes.
• Weight loss during pregnancy is not recommended, except, potentially, for morbidly obese women (BMI greater than 40).
• For women who are normal weight, overweight or obese, leading healthy lifestyles can greatly improve maternal and fetal health outcomes. These include physical exercise, balanced diet, and weight loss, in combination with medication in some cases.
• It is never too late to begin healthy habits!
If we microfocus only on a woman’s predelivery and postdelivery health, then we’re losing a big opportunity to improve her whole self and prevent future health complications during and outside of pregnancy. The good news for ob.gyns. is that this complex problem has a simple, well-documented, and proven solution.
Dr. Reece, who specializes in maternal-fetal medicine, is vice president for medical affairs at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, as well as the John Z. and Akiko K. Bowers Distinguished Professor and dean of the school of medicine. Dr. Reece said he had no relevant financial disclosures. He is the medical editor of this column. Contact him at obnews@frontlinemedcom.com.