Excess Pregnancy Weight Gain Increases Risk of Death in Women, NUS Study Reveals

SINGAPORE: A new study by the National University of Singapore’s Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine has shed new light on the potential risks associated with excessive weight gain during pregnancy.

The study, which examined pregnancies spanning the last 50 years, revealed that women who gained excessive weight during pregnancy faced a significantly higher risk of mortality.

The research focused on the intricate relationship between pregnancy weight gain and the subsequent risk of death. Researchers found that women with normal or overweight body mass indices (BMI) who gained an excessive amount of weight during their pregnancies faced a substantial 9 to 12 per cent increased risk of death.

One of the most striking findings of the study was the impact on women who were underweight before pregnancy. These women, if they gained excessive weight during their pregnancies, were shown to be at an astonishing 84 per cent higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease.

Additionally, women with a normal pre-pregnancy weight who also gained excessive weight were 20 per cent more likely to succumb to cardiovascular issues.

The research didn’t stop at cardiovascular concerns, as it revealed that women who were already overweight prior to pregnancy and then gained a substantial amount of weight during gestation faced a 77 per cent increased risk of death from diabetes-related complications.

Healthcare providers typically closely monitor and educate pregnant women about healthy weight gain during pregnancy to mitigate the risks associated with excessive weight gain.

As the medical community continues to analyze and digest the implications of this study, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of balanced weight gain and nutrition during pregnancy. Expectant mothers are urged to consult with their healthcare providers to establish and maintain a healthy weight gain plan to ensure a safer and healthier pregnancy journey.

/TISG

The post appeared first on The Independent News.

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