Your body mass index (BMI)
is your height to weight ratio, and is a useful way to determine whether a
person is underweight, overweight or obese.
Your BMI is recorded on
your pregnancy notes and is a useful measurement for pregnancy.
• An underweight person has
a BMI less than 18.5
• A person of a healthy
weight has a BMI 18.5 to 24.9
• An mildly overweight
person has a BMI 25 to 30
• An moderately overweight
person has a BMI 30 to 35
• A seriously overweight
person has a BMI over 35
Raised BMI and pregnancy
Research is showing that
women who have a high BMI at the start of their pregnancy are at a higher risk of
complications during their pregnancy and labour.
If you have a BMI over 40
at the start of your pregnancy your midwife will refer you to an obstetrician.
Diabetes
The risk of developing
diabetes in pregnancy is related to your body size and your BMI. The higher the
BMI, the greater the risk of developing diabetes. Women who weigh over 100kg
(or have a BMI over 30) will be offered a special test for diabetes (oral
glucose tolerance test) when they are 26 weeks pregnant.
High blood pressure
Women who have a high BMI
are at a greater risk of developing high blood pressure. Your midwife or doctor
will be assessing your health at each antenatal visit and will check your blood
pressure regularly. Developing high blood pressure in pregnancy can lead to a
more serious condition called pre-eclampsia.
Urinary tract infections
Some women with a high BMI
may be more prone to urinary tract infections. Your midwife can refer you to a
doctor if this becomes a problem for you.
Blood clots
A raised BMI is linked to
an increased risk of blood clots. This is especially true if you have had a
blood clot before or a first degree relative has had one before they were 50
(mother, father, brother, sister or any other children). Your midwife will
refer you to an obstetrician if they have concerns about this.
To reduce this risk all
pregnant women are encouraged to stay well hydrated and active during pregnancy.
When admitted to hospital you will be advised to wear support stockings. Those
women that are most at risk of developing blood clots may be prescribed
additional medication. Your risk of having blood clots is assessed by your
midwife and doctor throughout your pregnancy and postnatal period.
Check Your BMI and take a look at right side of this webside.
http://www.uhs.nhs.uk