Certain obese women may be able to lose weight even while pregnant, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

The study, conducted out of Sweden at the University of Linkoping, examined 46,000 obese pregnant women’s medical records during the period of 1993 through 2008. These women were separated into three categories: BMI‘s between 30 and 35, BMI’s 35 and 40, and BMI’s 40 and higher. Typically, pregnant women are expected to gain between 11 and 20 pounds during pregnancy. This new study finds that obese women that do not gain any weight, or even lose weight while pregnant were less likely to need a Cesarean section (C-section) or deliver a large baby than those who gained the recommended amount of weight.

Only 17 percent of the obese pregnant women who had BMI’s between 35 and 40 had a C-section compared to 24 percent of those who gained the suggested amount of weight. Further, babies born to very obese women who lost weight during pregnancy fared just as well as those who gained the recommended amount of weight. The study also found that babies born to women with severe obesity who lost weight during pregnancy were less likely to have fetal distress or have a low Apgar score, which is a measure of the baby’s heart rate, breathing, and other birth health indicators.

In conclusion, the study indicates that some weight loss in severely obese women may be reasonably safe. However, the focus should be eating a healthy, balanced diet and getting regular exercise during pregnancy. Women should speak with their St. Augustine physician before starting any diet for obesity while pregnant.