Re: being overweight and wanting another child

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Stephanie-

Being overweight does put you at risk for certain "bad outcomes" with your pregnancies. One is an increased risk of spina bifida, a condition where the spinal cord does not form right, leading to paralysis. Another is an increased risk of having a big baby, which can make labor harder, and lead to either a c/section, or the baby getting "stuck" while delivering (called shoulder dystocia). Ladies (and men) who are overweight have a higher chance of diabetes and blood pressure. These conditions can lead to a lot of pregnancy complications. Finally, if you needed another c/section you would be at risk of having the incision open up, called a scar separation, which can require weeks to months of packing the wound 3 times a day.

Of course, none of the above may happen. It's all in the statistics and your individual medical history. However, check with your doctor about the safety of a weight loss plan. It is almost always best to lose the weight before getting pregnant.

Good luck with everything.

--
Ashley Hill
David Ashley Hill, M.D.
Associate Director
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Florida Hospital Family Practice Residency
Orlando, FL
http://home.mpinet.net/dahmd

The above is intended for general medical education,
and is not for specific medical advice.
I apologize, but I am unable to answer personal e-mail
due to time constraints.

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