Changing BMI between pregnancies can be dangerous for you and baby

Women whose weight dramatically changes between pregnancies could be putting themselves and their babies at risk, experts have said.

Worryingly, even a small change in body mass index (BMI)of just one or two units, between pregnancies, is enough to have an averse effect, according to Jennifer Walsh and Deidre Murphy, obstetricians from Dublin.

This increase has been linked with a doubled risk of high blood pressure and preeclampsia. If your BMI increased any more than this, it can add to the risk of stillbirth and other complications. Equally disturbing is the news that if you lose too much weight after having a baby, your next child could be at risk from being premature or being a very low birth weight.

The report, published in the British Medical Journal, says:

‘Women of reproductive age are bombarded with messages about diet, weight and body image. There is growing concern on the one hand about an epidemic of obesity, and on the other about a culture that promotes ‘size zero’ as desirable, irrespective of a woman’s natural build.

‘Pregnancy is one of the most nutritionally demanding periods of a woman’s life, with an adequate supply of nutrients essential to support foetal wellbeing and growth. With at least half of all pregnancies unplanned, women need to be aware of the implications of their weight for pregnancy, birth and the health of their babies.

‘We should ensure that women of low body mass index attain a healthy weight before conception to reduce the risk of preterm birth and low infant birth-weight. We should also counsel women with a history of previous preterm birth to maintain a healthy weight to prevent recurrence.’

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