Being Obese While Pregnant Increases Child’s Risk of Asthma

Obesity causes increased concern during pregnancy for many reasons. Women who are obese while pregnant have a higher rate of complications such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, and also experience a higher need for Cesarean delivery. Obese pregnant women may also have a higher rate of birth defects as well as increased fetal complications during delivery. According to a recent study, the risks of being obese or overweight during pregnancy include a higher risk of your child developing asthma.

Children born to obese moms have a 41 percent higher risk of developing asthma compared to other children, a recent study conducted by Australian and Swedish researchers showed. Children born to overweight moms had a slightly lower increase of 18 percent. Obesity is defined as a body mass index of 30 or greater, while women with a body mass index between 25 to 29.9 are considered overweight.

The increased risk of asthma may stem from the fact that obese mothers tend to have obese or overweight children. Overweight children have around six times the risk of developing asthma compared to normal-weight children, possibly due to abnormalities in their immune response.

If you’re planning to get pregnant, consider seeing a weight management specialist in Baton Rouge before you get pregnant. When you’re pregnant, your weight problems, particularly if you fall into the obese category, have an impact on your developing child’s future health. Starting pregnancy at a more normal weight will have benefits for both you and your baby. Reducing your weight before pregnancy is healthier than trying to lose weight while pregnant– which is generally not recommended.