The rates of birth defects in babies born to obese mothers were 3.8 percent (class I obesity), 4.2 percent (class II obesity), and 4.7 percent (class III obesity). Most health care professionals stress the importance of maintaining a healthy weight during pregnancy and earlier studies suggested a correlation between maternal obesity and birth defect risk. Credit: iStockMoms-to-be who are overweight or obese during pregnancy are at increased risk for having a baby with birth defects, according to a study recently published in the BMJ. In this new study, researchers took a closer look at whether expectant mothers who are overweight, rather than obese, are also at higher risk for birth defects. Expectant mothers in the study were classified as underweight (body mass index—BMI—of less than 18.5), normal weight (BMI of 18.5 to 24), overweight (BMI of 25 to 29), or obese (BMI over 30).
Findings from a new study even link obesity during pregnancy with birth defects. The recent findings on obesity and birth defects are further reason to consult your doctor while pregnant to best gauge what your goal weight-gain should be. Finally, in the obesity class 3 group, made up of mothers with BMI ratings of over 40, offspring had a 4.7 rate of birth defects. There is good news for moms who struggle to maintain a healthy weight during their pregnancies. While it is important to gain a healthy amount of weight during pregnancy, studies have shown that during pregnancy, obesity — when an individual's body mass index is 30 or higher — can have especially negative impacts for mothers.
Maternal Obesity May Increase the Risk of Serious Birth Defects
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collected by :
Lucy William
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