The question of weight during pregnancy usually causes certain concerns to many women, so much so that in some cases it can be dangerous. As we always say, in the balance is success, this maxim can be applied to practically all vital issues, but especially in terms of nutrition. Pregnancy leads to weight gain, even if it is the minimum provided by the baby itself, the placenta, the amniotic fluid, etc.
It is very important that during this period pregnant woman eat healthy, including food with an essential nutritional contribution for the development of the fetus. In the same way that gaining too much weight in pregnancy can pose many risks, being underweight can have the same or worse consequences. Next we will tell you, what are the dangers of being underweight during pregnancy.
First of all it is important to differentiate between the possible situations for which a pregnant woman may be underweight. On the one hand, it must be appreciated that each woman has a different constitution and that therefore, her needs will be different even if she is pregnant. The main thing is to follow medical recommendations, in whatever case.
Another very different thing is that because you do not want to gain too much weight, you neglect the health of your baby putting its development at serious risk. If you eat in a healthy way, following the recommendations that your midwife or the doctor who follows your pregnancy gives you, you can take to pass this stage in a healthy way and avoid the consequences on your physique.
The risks of low weight in pregnancy
The main problem of low weight in pregnancy, is the lack of nutrients which this usually entails. Feeding is essential for your baby to grow and develop properly. Therefore, underweight pregnant women are considered risky pregnancy.
Within high-risk pregnancy there are various types:
Level I high-risk pregnancy
In this case the pregnant woman may be in good health, but because of their social circumstances it may be exposed to certain risks such as malnutrition. Other factors that cause nutritional deficiencies in pregnancy, thus causing low weight are:
- Women at risk of social exclusion due to economic reasons
- The use of tobacco, alcohol or harmful substances to health
- Un low educational level, generally illiteracy
Level II high-risk pregnancy
A serious situation that can very negatively affect health, both of the mother and the baby. At this level, future mothers with diseases such as:
- Diabetes
- La preeclampsia
- The hiv
- Under weight of the baby
- Low mother weight
Being within one of these groups is an indication that both the baby and the mother are exposed to developing different pathologies.
The consequences of being underweight in pregnancy
The risks of low weight during pregnancy can be many and with different severity, but each case is different and with proper medical control it is possible to reduce risks. However, it is important to know what these possible consequences are in order to try to reduce the possibilities to the maximum.
- Greater chance of suffering a spontaneous abortion
- High risk of a premature birth
- Low baby weight at birth
- potential Developmental disorders in the baby
Your doctor can help you improve your pregnancy weight
As you have seen, the consequences of a poor diet during the gestation period can be very serious. To avoid this, it is essential that you take maximum care of your way of eating and that follow the recommendations that you will receive in your prenatal consultations. Pregnancy is a stage in your life, where you need to take care of yourself so that your baby grows healthy and strong.
If you do not know how you should eat or what you should take during these months to be healthy, here we leave you some advices. But don't forget that at any time you can request medical help at your health center. Nobody better than a specialist to advise you on how your diet should be during this period of your life.