Being at a healthy weight before pregnancy gives you a better chance of having a healthy pregnancy and can benefit the health of your future baby.
Pregnant women who are below a healthy weight may have higher risks of preterm birth and low birth weight babies. Preterm and low birth weight babies have an increased risk of disease in the first few weeks of life. There’s also a risk of physical and developmental disabilities and ongoing health problems later in life.
Pregnant women who have a BMI over 30 may have increased risk of a preterm birth, baby with a high birth weight, caesarean section and certain birth defects.
The amount of weight that’s healthy for you to gain during pregnancy will depend on your pre-pregnancy BMI. Learn more about the amount of weight gain that’s right for you during pregnancy.