Obesity

Obesity can cause serious health problems for you and your baby.

Risks to your baby

• Birth defects to the spinal column, brain, heart, and cleft lip
• Possible birth weight of 10+ pounds, which may cause trauma to the baby during a vaginal birth. Moms may need a cesarean birth to deliver a big baby.
• Premature birth
• Stillbirth
• Miscarriage
• Childhood obesity

Risks to mom

• Develop high blood pressure and diabetes, both of which can cause serious problems
• Preeclampsia, which may cause serious liver and kidney problems, keep blood from clotting, and cause seizures. In rare cases, preeclampsia can cause stroke or death. Preeclampsia goes away after your baby is delivered.
• There is an increased risk of wound problems, infection, and blood clots if a Cesarean birth is needed.

The good news is that you can reduce the risks that come with obesity by losing weight.

If you are obese

• Talk to your doctor about ways to help you get to a healthier weight
• Let Kaiser Permanente help with a weight management class, online program, or weight management support. Go to kp.org/weight
• Call 1-866-862-4295 to learn about a wellness coaching program
• Eat healthy, be active, and manage your stress
• Before pregnancy, take a multivitamin with 400 mcg of folic acid
• During pregnancy, take a prenatal vitamin with 800 mcg of folic acid