By Olaoluwakitan Ellerson, CNM, Certified Nurse Midwife, Virtua Center for Women

Starting or growing your family is an exciting time—it's natural to want to do everything you can to have a healthy pregnancy. If you're overweight, you might have some extra questions or concerns.

Many women face similar situations. While being overweight can come with a few extra considerations, the good news is that there's a lot you can do to have a wonderful and healthy pregnancy, labor, and delivery.

Being overweight during pregnancy can put you at a slightly higher risk for:

• Gestational diabetes
• High blood pressure (preeclampsia)
• Sleep apnea
• Challenges during birth and delivery
• Pregnancy loss or stillbirth, though rare

Please know this isn't meant to cause worry but rather to empower you with information. The most important thing to remember is that your OB provider is your partner in this journey and can create a personalized plan to help you minimize these risks.

How much weight should you gain during pregnancy?

The following are guidelines for how much weight you should gain during pregnancy based on your current body mass index (BMI):

• Normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9): 25-35 pounds
• Overweight (BMI 25-29.9): 15-25 pounds
• Obese (BMI 30 or greater): 11-20 pounds

If you’re overweight or obese, here are some helpful steps you can consider to support a healthy pregnancy.

Follow sound prenatal care advice

You should follow basic prenatal care and testing guidelines to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Before trying to conceive, schedule a routine physical exam and begin taking prenatal vitamins with folic acid and DHA.

After pregnancy is confirmed, see your OB provider regularly for prenatal care and screenings, such as ultrasounds for growth and development and blood tests to monitor your and your baby’s health.

Manage weight through healthy eating and exercise

Even losing a small amount of weight (think 10-20 pounds) before you get pregnant can make a remarkable difference. It's a fantastic way to boost your overall health, significantly lower your weight-related risks, and for some, it can even make it a little easier to conceive.

If you’re overweight when you get pregnant, there’s a lot you can do to have a healthy pregnancy, including eating nutritious foods like lean proteins, vegetables, fruits, low-fat dairy, and whole grains. For guidance, schedule an appointment with a Virtua registered dietitian who can help you create a healthy, flexible diet that works for you.

If your doctor says it’s safe to exercise, try walking, lifting light weights, or taking a prenatal yoga class. Staying fit will also help prepare your body for delivery.

Is it safe to lose weight during pregnancy?

Whether you started your pregnancy overweight or have gained more weight than expected, pregnancy is not the time to intentionally try to lose weight. Your body is currently focused on nourishing and building a new life. Every calorie and nutrient you consume directly supports your baby's development. Restricting food can mean your baby isn't getting everything they need.

By focusing on healthy habits and working closely with your health care team, you're setting yourself and your baby up for the best possible start. Your OB provider is always your best resource and partner for discussing all your concerns.

Virtua experts are here to help you have a healthy pregnancy

• Find a Virtua OB provider near you and schedule an appointment online.
• Virtua Health offers a variety of in-person and virtual maternity and breastfeeding classes and interactive courses, including childbirth preparation, baby basics, and more. See all the maternity classes.