As the world changes, new pandemics come to light, stress increases, anxiety skyrockets, and in order to combat all of that fear, many develop certain ways to cope. Some take exercise, some find creative outlets such as painting or writing, while others choose to indulge in food. Copious amounts of eating has become a coping mechanism for thousands across the globe as well as seen as a form of enjoyment. Extensive eating is easy to do, with various restaurants and fast food places at quick disposal, it can become an easy habit to develop, especially for pregnant woman.
When pregnant, constant food cravings and eating can quickly become easy to get consumed in and thus become overweight. According to Catalano et al (2017), the World Health Organization states over 50% of men and women in Europe are considered obese, 23% of women being obese. Poston et al discuss the prevalence of obesity in women in England, where it is amongst the highest in Europe with 1 in 5 women of reproductive age are now obese (Poston et al, 2011).
Copious amounts of eating can have many effects, such as being a cause for diabetes, heart failure and more. Being obese while pregnant not only can cause health complications for the mother but the baby may become affected by it as well. According to Stubert (2018), around one-third of all women of childbearing age are ‘overweight’ or ‘obese’ thus posing a risk to the baby. Pregnant women may develop short-term effects but those issues can develop into long-term problems and serious health conditions, including increasing her risk of gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia (Catalano et al, 2017).
This will also have a knock-on effect for the baby's health, as explained by Catalano et al (2017): ‘because obese women are more likely to have excessive gestational weight gain, this further increases the risk of developing the metabolic syndrome in later life. The offspring have an increased risk of obstetric morbidity and mortality, and long-term risk of childhood obesity and metabolic dysfunction.’
Some other health complications that may arise from obesity in pregnancy include gestational diabetes mellitus, hypertensive disorders, and thromboembolic complications, as well as augmentation, early amniotomy, cephalopelvic disproportion, caesarean section, and perioperative morbidity when in labour (Andreasen et al, 2004).
‘Pregnant women may develop short-term effects but those issues can develop into long-term problems’
Midwives, and healthcare professionals alike, are actively finding ways to assist women who are obese and pregnant due to the aforementioned health concerns. In a 2011 study, Poston et al reviewed findings from the Confidential Enquiry into Maternal and Child Health where more than half of the deaths reported by late pregnancy or labour was caused by overweight women. During pregnancy, it can be difficult to tell when a woman is gaining weight; whether it be because of the growing fetus or due to an unhealthy lifestyle. In order to combat obesity, one must consider making a lifestyle change such as avoiding unhealthy habits, like binge eating or neglecting regular exercise.
Some ways that women can combat obesity is to ensure they are eating healthy foods such as vegetables and fruits, watching their calorie intake to ensure they are not over eating and are getting proper exercise daily, which can be as simple as a walk.
With the current global pandemic, it can be difficult to adjust to the new ‘normal’. Anxiety has skyrocketed, stress has increased and the fear of the unknown is scary. However, pregnant women need to consider not only their own health but the health of their unborn baby. Speak to a midwife for advice on how to achieve a balanced diet and access a suitable exercise plan during pregnancy.