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Pregnancy Weight Gain Linked to Severe Health Risks
22 Oct
Summary
- Excessive pregnancy weight gain elevates risks of infections and bleeding.
- Research analyzed over one million births in Ontario from 2012-2022.
- Risks remain elevated regardless of pre-pregnancy BMI or weight.
Women who exceed recommended weight gain during pregnancy may face a heightened risk of life-threatening complications. These potential health issues encompass infections, excessive bleeding, and serious conditions like cardiovascular and kidney disease, according to a study published recently.
The extensive research analyzed data from over one million births in Ontario spanning from 2012 to 2022. It revealed that nearly 53% of pregnant individuals gained more weight than clinically advised. Researchers emphasized that this elevated risk is significant and appears independent of an individual's pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI).
Researchers utilized data from BORN Ontario, identifying over 15,000 instances of severe maternal morbidity, which signifies unexpected complications with potentially serious consequences. The study also noted that pre-existing conditions like high blood pressure, asthma, or diabetes further double the risk of severe complications. In some cases, even gaining less than the recommended weight was linked to higher risks for those with pre-existing health issues.
