UK: Maternal Deaths and Obesity
This is sobering. New research has determined that more than half of British mothers who died during child birth were overweight. Reuters is on it:
The Confidential Enquiry into Maternal and Child Health (CEMACH) said maternal-related deaths in Britain are at a two decade high.Gaining baby-weight is one thing, but, staying healthy while pregnant is important. More on this from Dr. Fuhrman—take a look:
In its annual report, "Saving Mothers' Lives: reviewing maternal deaths to make motherhood safer", it found that of the almost 300 women who died during childbirth between 2003 and 2005 from pregnancy-related conditions, more than half were obese. The deaths left 520 children motherless, it added.
Obese pregnant women are more at risk of dying, suffering heart disease, miscarriage, diabetes, infections and blood clots.
Although the death rate has not changed significantly since 2000, it has risen by around 40 percent since 1985/87, the study showed.
The time to begin paying attention to a child’s health is long before birth. Even the mother’s diet twelve months before conception can influence the child’s future health. It is important to eat healthfully prior to conception as well as once pregnancy has begun. Proper nutrition and good health habits are more important than ever during pregnancy and can help in maintaining good health for both mother and baby.Also, be sure to check out this post: Don't be Fat and Pregnant.
