Research in Sweden found that overweight or obese pregnant women are more likely to give birth prematurely, ie before 37 weeks of gestation.
Published in the June 12 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), the research found that while being overweight is related to this fact, it is not known precisely why labor is advanced. However, researchers agreed that problems associated with being overweight and obese, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, insulin resistance, and increased chances of vaginal and urinary tract infections could affect the ability to lead pregnancy. until the ninth month.
Last year, the World Health Organization's global action report estimated that 15 million babies are born prematurely each year, and prematurity is the world's leading cause of newborn deaths. The WHO report even pointed out that many surviving premature babies may face problems such as learning disabilities in childhood.
In response to the risks associated with obesity during pregnancy, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists issued a statement advising women who are overweight or obese not to gain weight during pregnancy, or even lose weight, to avoid the problem. with your babies.
Weight and Preterm Delivery (May 2024)
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