A study at Temple University has resulted in some interesting information about body image and excessive weight gain in pregnancy. As most women know, some of us have an accurate body image, but others view themselves as either thinner or heavier than their actual body weight. According to researchers, this distorted body image can result in a greater risk of gaining too much weight in pregnancy.
Over 1500 women who were enrolled in a program called Project Viva were participants in the study. The women were classified as normal weight, overweight or obese. These groups were subdivided into women with a distorted body image and those with an accurate picture of their weight.
Women in the study who were obese or overweight prior to pregnancy and thought they weighed less than their true weight were an alarming seven times more likely to gain too much weight during pregnancy. Interestingly, women who weighed more than they actually did were also more likely to gain too much weight. This group was twice as likely to experience excessive weight gain as women who accurately knew their weight.
Scientists don’t yet have an explanation for why the women in the study had a greater risk of gaining too much weight, regardless of whether they were under or over estimating their weight. What they do know is that excessive weight gain can be dangerous to both mothers and babies.
Gaining too much weight can lead to a larger baby. This can result in more interventions during the birth, including the need for pitocin, vacuum extraction or forceps and even a higher risk of c section. After the birth, losing the weight is more difficult if the weight gain was excessive during the pregnancy.
How much weight is too much varies from woman to woman. In years past, doctors gave a blanket recommendation for all women. Currently, the guidelines vary, depending on the weight prior to pregnancy. Women of normal weight are advised to gain between 25 and 35 pounds. Overweight women are often advised to gain less, usually between 15 and 25 pounds. Underweight women may be advised to gain 30 to 40 pounds. Your health care provider is a good source of information for weight gain in your unique situation.
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