Obesity and pregnancy

A BMI of 30 or above before or early in pregnancy increases the chance of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, thrombosis and birth-related problems, among other things, but most pregnancies proceed without serious complications. Respectful care, extra checks and an individual plan for nutrition, movement, medicines, birth and the postnatal period help reduce risks; losing weight on your own during pregnancy is usually not the goal.

• Obesity itself often causes no new symptoms; risks are therefore mainly detected through checks, rather than waiting until someone feels ill.
• Marked thirst, frequent urination, recurrent fungal infections or unusual tiredness may fit high blood sugar, but gestational diabetes usually causes no clear symptoms.
• Attend antenatal care early and bring an up-to-date list of prescriptions, over-the-counter products, vitamins, herbs and weight-loss products.
• Eat regular, varied meals, drink enough in the warm climate and seek individual advice instead of skipping meals or strict fasting.
• Contact your midwife or maternity unit immediately for severe persistent headache, light flashes or blurred vision, severe pain under the right ribs, sudden marked swelling or feeling very ill; do not wait until later that day. If the team is unavailable, call HAP 9252 outside office hours.
• For urgent GP care outside normal opening hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediately life-threatening situation.