07 Jun Unhealthy Weight Gain in Pregnancy Is Now the Norm
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Prof. Teede
Professor Helena Teede MBBS, FRACP, PhD
Executive Director Monash Partners Academic Health Research Translation Centre
Director Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation
Monash University
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Response: Reproductive aged women are gaining weight rapidly both before and during pregnancy. Here in 1.3 million pregnancies internationally we show that almost 3 in 4 have unhealthy weight gain (half with excess weight gain and one quarter with inadequate gain)
MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?
Response: For women establish your healthy weight for your height and try to stay within this for better fertility, pregnancy and for your and your child’s health. Regardless of your starting weigh, aim to gain within targets in pregnancy. Seek help to do so.
For health professionals: unhealthy weight gain in pregnancy is now the norm, we must monitor women in pregnancy wand support them to gain healthy weight for better health outcomes. Weighing is not enough with health professionals needing skills in healthy conversations and support strategies for women.
For governments and policy makers this life stage around pregnancy is an optimal time to tackle obesity prevention and is targeted by WHO.
MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?
Response: It is now vital to work out how to incorporate our evidence based simple healthy lifestyle programs into routine pregnancy care. Overcoming barriers around lack of health professionals skills in healthy lifestyle support and conversations and around lack of tim in current models of care.
MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Response: This is an important yet neglected area that often is overlooked in routine antenatal care. Prevention opportunities here can set women not only for a healthy pregnancy but can change lifestyle habits for better long term health for mothers and our next generation as evidence shows healthier mothers determine healthier lifestyles for the family and healthier children.
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Last Updated on June 7, 2017 by Marie Benz MD FAAD