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CNN Live At Daybreak
Obesity Before Pregnancy Can be Particularly Harmful
Aired May 07, 2003 - 06:50 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: We're all aware that being overweight puts us at risk for disease. Well, now a new study shows that obesity before pregnancy can be particularly harmful.
Joining us from New York with more on this and tips on how to prepare for a healthy pregnancy is Lisa Drayer of Dietwatch.com Incorporated.
Good morning, Lisa.
So I guess it's not a good idea to eat for two.
LISA DRAYER, NUTRITIONIST: Well, you can eat for two. In fact, you should. But the needs are marginally increased, that is, 300 calories per day during your pregnancy. But before you become pregnant, it's very important to achieve a healthy body weight.
In this particular study, women who were overweight had double the risk of having babies with heart abnormalities and birth defects as compared to normal weight women.
Now, a possible explanation can be that overweight women have nutrient deficiencies as a result of a poor diet, which can lead to problems. Also, being overweight puts you at risk for getting diabetes during pregnancy and if the diabetes is poorly controlled, it can cause complications later on.
So the bottom line is get into a healthy body weight. Now, what is a healthy body weight? If you're 5'4," you don't want to go above 145 pounds. If you're 5'2," we're talking 135 pounds. Also, folic acid is very important, that is, women of childbearing age should consume an adequate amount of folic acid. This can prevent neural tube defects, for example, spin bifida. This can help prevent these defects. So it's important to have them before you actually know that you're pregnant, because the damage may occur before you actually find out.
COSTELLO: I understand.
Let's talk about during pregnancy, though, and how much weight you should gain.
DRAYER: Yes. On average, you want to gain about 25 to 35 pounds. Now, your needs may vary. For example, if you're overweight, you may need to gain less; if you're underweight, a little bit more. Now, the calorie needs do increase by 300 calories in the second and third trimester. Also, protein needs increase. We're talking about the equivalent of three decks of cards. Folic acid also increases. Iron increases by about a third. And also getting enough calcium is important because the baby will take what it needs if the mother doesn't get enough and it puts the mother at risk for osteoporosis.
Finally, avoid the alcohol. It can lead to complications at as little as one to two drinks per day.
COSTELLO: Oh, good advice and we will take it.
Lisa Drayer, many thanks to you.
DRAYER: Thank you.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Aired May 7, 2003 - 06:50 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: We're all aware that being overweight puts us at risk for disease. Well, now a new study shows that obesity before pregnancy can be particularly harmful.
Joining us from New York with more on this and tips on how to prepare for a healthy pregnancy is Lisa Drayer of Dietwatch.com Incorporated.
Good morning, Lisa.
So I guess it's not a good idea to eat for two.
LISA DRAYER, NUTRITIONIST: Well, you can eat for two. In fact, you should. But the needs are marginally increased, that is, 300 calories per day during your pregnancy. But before you become pregnant, it's very important to achieve a healthy body weight.
In this particular study, women who were overweight had double the risk of having babies with heart abnormalities and birth defects as compared to normal weight women.
Now, a possible explanation can be that overweight women have nutrient deficiencies as a result of a poor diet, which can lead to problems. Also, being overweight puts you at risk for getting diabetes during pregnancy and if the diabetes is poorly controlled, it can cause complications later on.
So the bottom line is get into a healthy body weight. Now, what is a healthy body weight? If you're 5'4," you don't want to go above 145 pounds. If you're 5'2," we're talking 135 pounds. Also, folic acid is very important, that is, women of childbearing age should consume an adequate amount of folic acid. This can prevent neural tube defects, for example, spin bifida. This can help prevent these defects. So it's important to have them before you actually know that you're pregnant, because the damage may occur before you actually find out.
COSTELLO: I understand.
Let's talk about during pregnancy, though, and how much weight you should gain.
DRAYER: Yes. On average, you want to gain about 25 to 35 pounds. Now, your needs may vary. For example, if you're overweight, you may need to gain less; if you're underweight, a little bit more. Now, the calorie needs do increase by 300 calories in the second and third trimester. Also, protein needs increase. We're talking about the equivalent of three decks of cards. Folic acid also increases. Iron increases by about a third. And also getting enough calcium is important because the baby will take what it needs if the mother doesn't get enough and it puts the mother at risk for osteoporosis.
Finally, avoid the alcohol. It can lead to complications at as little as one to two drinks per day.
COSTELLO: Oh, good advice and we will take it.
Lisa Drayer, many thanks to you.
DRAYER: Thank you.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
