Obesity in Pregnant Women

Generally it is seen that women gradually gain weight after marriage. For this change there could be many reasons like change of eating habits or a more comfortable life style. This gradual weight gain is acceptable until pregnancy.

Obesity from the first trimester of pregnancy can be disadvantageous. The fatty tissues make the increasing uterus to exert pressure on the bowels and bladder hence disturbing their functioning.

A pregnant woman has a misconception that she should eat double her diet and that should relax and rest more so as to conserve energy for the labour. But the fact is that a pregnant woman should eat sensibly and should also do little exercise to facilitate a normal delivery.

There are various reasons for post-natal obesity. Some are listed below.

• Most of the time normal delivery is not referred due to certain reasons which deprive the mother from normal activities.
• Lack of activities and exercise the uterus is unable to shrink properly and slowly distension of the abdomen takes place.
• The extra nourishment taken undergoes reduced digestion hence the body weight keeps on increasing.
• Sometimes even after normal delivery, young mother becomes obese because they are eating starchy and fatty food instead of nutritious food.
• Young mothers are made to rest more after delivery.
• Mild exercise is necessary after delivery to help uterus contract in its original size.
• Regular use of contraceptives and contraceptive devices also makes a woman obese due to the hormones in these contraceptives.

How Obesity Affects Infertility?

Obesity affects infertility in women by making it difficult for them to conceive. Obesity causes   ovulation problems in women. Also, obese women who ovulate normally have infertility problems. This infertility may be caused due to the disruption of leptin, a hormone which controls energy expenditure and appetite

Men who are obese also have infertility problems. Obesity affects infertility in men by lowering their sperm quality. Obesity also lowers the sperm count in men causing infertility problem