Overnutrition Leading to Pregnancy Complications and the Rise of Macrosomia
Experts warn that exceeding a weight gain of 30 pounds during pregnancy is not advisable. With the improvement of living standards, the issues of overnutrition among pregnant women have become increasingly prevalent. This not only affects maternal health but also escalates the risk of delivering macrosomic infants, which are babies weighing more than 8 pounds at birth.
Statistics Highlighting the Growing Concern
According to Liu Xiaomei, Director of Obstetrics at the Municipal Maternal and Child Health Hospital, the facility sees approximately 500 cases of gestational diabetes each year, accounting for about 5% of total pregnancies. The occurrence of macrosomia is even higher, ranging from 7.5% to 8%. Additionally, related statistics indicate that the overall incidence of gestational hypertension has reached 10%, a significant increase compared to a decade ago.
The Hazards of Pregnancy-Related Diseases
Pregnancy-related diseases pose considerable dangers to both mothers and their unborn children. For instance, gestational diabetes increases the likelihood of congenital disabilities by 2–3 times compared to typical pregnancies. Approximately 30% of women diagnosed with gestational diabetes may progress to chronic type 2 diabetes within 5–10 years. Furthermore, complications during delivery can also arise from gestational diabetes, leading to infections, miscarriages, premature births, and even stillbirths, along with potential birth injuries for the newborn.
The Role of Nutritional Imbalance
Liu Xiaomei notes that many complications, such as gestational diabetes, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and macrosomia, stem from nutritional imbalances during pregnancy. Specifically, overnutrition is a significant contributing factor.
Many families adhere to traditional beliefs that overly emphasize nutritional intake during pregnancy, resulting in excessive consumption of meats, fish, and high-sugar fruits. Dai Yongmei, Director of the Nutrition Department, shares an alarming example: one pregnant woman she treated consumed seven to eight peaches and two watermelons daily. Such imbalanced diets can easily lead to metabolic disorders related to sugar.
Education and Awareness
Fortunately, many hospitals now offer nutritional consultations, and most pregnant women attend regular prenatal check-ups where they receive guidance on appropriate dietary practices. However, Wang Zhiqun, Director of Obstetrics at the Donggou Hospital, expresses frustration that many pregnant women, particularly those with traditional family backgrounds, often disregard medical advice. For instance, He Jing, a pregnant woman, receives reminders from her doctor to manage her weight, but her mother and mother-in-law pressure her to eat excessively once she returns home.
The Call for Nutrition Moderation
Wang Zhiqun stresses that moderation in nutritional intake throughout pregnancy is essential. A total weight gain of around 30 pounds is considered optimal during the entire pregnancy. Regular prenatal check-ups are crucial, and any rapid weight gain should prompt immediate dietary adjustments.
In conclusion, it is vital for expectant mothers to prioritize balanced nutrition and heed medical guidance to mitigate the risks associated with overnutrition during pregnancy.