Excessive BMI a concern for pregnant women

An excessive increase in body mass index (BMI) during pregnancy should be taken seriously, as it might create further problems, a doctor said.

Budi Iman Santoso, the head of the Obstetric and Gynecology Department at Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital (RSCM), said on Wednesday that pregnant women should keep from becoming overweight.

“Ideal body mass index increase should be about 12-14 kilograms. If the increase is higher, it is associated with obesity,” he said.

He said there was a strong belief in Indonesian society that fat pregnant women meant a good pregnancy.

“It is something we have to look at carefully. Being fat does not always indicate good health. In fact, obesity can bring more problems for pregnant women,” he added.

Obesity can cause a condition called pelvic organ prolapse.

“Most women have prolapsed pelvic organs after childbirth, but the percentage varies from 25 percent to 50 percent. Fatter pregnant women have a higher risk,” Budi said.

Pelvic organ prolapse after childbirth can be uncomfortable or painful. “Women don't usually take it as a big problem. But in a more serious level, it can create a urinary incontinence,” he added.

Pelvic organ prolapse mostly occurs among women over 45, but younger women can have the problem as well, “usually for those who deliver a baby in their late 30s”, he said. (lfr)