Overweight and obese pregnant women are putting themselves and their babies at risk of chronic conditions, a new study reported.
50 pregnant women classified as overweight or obese according to their Body Mass Index, participated in the pilot study conducted by a group of medical specialists at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH).
The study found that babies born from these women could suffer birth defects, require special-care nurseries after pre-term delivery and were often overweight themselves. Overweight and obese mothers were at higher risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, delivery by C-section. In addition, cancer and heart disease could also develop.
The women also had more problems with breastfeeding and were unable to sustain it for long periods. Many had to cease breastfeeding after 6 weeks of giving birth.
For further information about the study, please click here.
