OBESITY CAN ALSO CREATE PROBLEMS DURING LABOUR:

• In cases of gestational diabetes, the baby tends to be excessively large, which increases the likelihood of a prolonged and obstructive labour. • Caesarean section and anaesthesia are technically more difficult in obese patients, so you will have to pay more if you need these procedures. • Obese patients are at greater risk of postpartum bleeding, and can lose large amounts of blood.

The problems also continue afterwards, as infection of caesarean section wounds is more common in obese patients, and babies born to obese mothers are statistically more likely to suffer from conditions such as obesity, diabetes and ischaemic heart disease later in life. An obese pregnant woman unintentionally ‘programmes’ the cells of her unborn child so that the child will also have a tendency towards insulin resistance. And so the cycle continues.

Rather than treating complications during and after pregnancy, it’s best to find a way to prevent them in the first place. A logical solution is for women to try not to be overweight before conceiving. So it’s a good idea to follow an LCHF lifestyle before pregnancy too. A healthy mum has a better chance of having a healthy baby.

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