Weight Counseling and Exercise Prescription in Prenatal Care for the Maternal Obese to Manage Weight Gain and Reduce Adverse Perinatal Outcomes

Authors

Lisa Banh, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Advisor

Dr. Elyse Watkins, DHSc, PA-C, DFAAPA

Abstract

In pregnant patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 30, does providing ten-minute obesity counseling with an exercise prescription versus no exercise prescription at the initial obstetrics visit help to manage maternal weight gain and decrease adverse perinatal risks? Most patients who present for obstetric (OB) care are overweight and obese, which can lead to adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Discussing the issue of being obese during pregnancy can be a very sensitive conversation for both patients and clinical providers. Providing ten minutes of counseling on weight gain management and an exercise prescription at the initial prenatal visit and at subsequent antenatal visits could help motivate the maternal obese patients to engage in some physical activity and help to manage their weight gain during pregnancy. Antenatal counseling for weight management can benefit patients even after delivery. Reducing perinatal risks such as hypertension, gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, and large fetal birth weight can be safer for maternal obese patients, the fetus and for obstetric providers.

Recommended Citation

Banh L. Weight Counseling and Exercise Prescription in Prenatal Care for the Maternal Obese to Manage Weight Gain and Reduce Adverse Perinatal Outcomes. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2019; 1(3).