Maternal Resources

Overweight Women at Risk for Pregnancy Problems

If you’re pregnant and obese, you may be putting your child at risk for epilepsy.
A recent study revealed that kids whose mothers were overweight or obese during the first trimester of pregnancy are more likely to develop childhood epilepsy. In severely obese women, who have a BMI of 35 or above, the risk can be as high as 82 percent.

The study, which tracked almost 1.5 million Swedish babies and was published in the scientific journal JAMA Neurology, found that the risk of epilepsy nearly doubled from women at a healthy weight to those who were severely obese.

Epilepsy causes debilitating seizures and is very difficult to treat. It is also not well-understood. Among the unknowns is the link between extra pounds during pregnancy and the child’s risk of developing the disorder. Scientists have speculated that it could be due to obesity-related inflammation, or due to a possible link between obesity and brain injury.

Regardless of the explanation, it’s important to maintain a healthy weight before, during and after pregnancy, in order to avoid a wide variety of complications and issues both for your baby and yourself. If you’re planning to become pregnant, weight loss (of even 10 to 20 pounds) can boost your chances of a healthy pregnancy.

Are you pregnant and searching for a collaborative physician or midwife care? Mindful Midwifery offers excellence in personalized OB/GYN wellness and birth. Call us today at 201-691-8664 or visit our website to learn more.