A healthy diet and regular exercise are the best ways to ensure a healthy pregnancy and baby. That is why underweight women need to be particularly cautious when pregnant. Continue reading to learn more on the effects of being underweight when pregnant.

Can Being Underweight Affect Pregnancy?

In general, women have a better chance of conceiving if their BMI is between 20 and 25. If the Body Mass Index (BMI) is less than 18.5, one is underweight. Studies suggest that, on average, underweight women take longer to conceive and are at a greater risk for miscarriages. This is because underweight women do not have a healthy level of fat cells (from a reproductive perspective). In response, their fat cells produce 2-hydroxy estrone—an anti-estrogen that causes the reproductive system to shut down. As a result, underweight women may stop menstruating. Even if they are menstruating, their cycles may be irregular, or they may not be ovulating, which makes it difficult for women to conceive. On the other hand, women with a healthy weight have a better chance of conceiving.

What Happens If A Pregnant Woman Is Underweight? 

Body mass and weight gain during pregnancy are important indicators of maternal health. Being underweight during pregnancy may be attributed to undernourishment and can result in severe nausea and vomiting during the first trimester. Babies born to undernourished mothers are more likely to be underweight, affecting their cognitive abilities, height, and productivity during their lifetime. As noted above, BMI indicates if a woman is underweight when pregnant, and below 18.5 kg/m2 indicates low BMI during pregnancy.

The Potential risks of being underweight during pregnancy include: 

• Preterm delivery
• Low birth weight of the baby
• Increased risk of numerous health concerns in both mother and child
• Increased mortality risk in the mother and child

Tips To Maintain Proper Weight During Pregnancy

Maintaining a healthy weight by eating the right foods and staying active during pregnancy is essential. Mother and baby may face health problems if the mother does not gain enough weight during pregnancy. Here are a few tips to be in the pink of health when you are expecting.

Healthy Foods:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables are rich in fiber and are extremely healthy. They are loaded with vitamins and are low in calories and fat.
• Whole grains such as bread, crackers and cereals, and low-fat dairy products are highly recommended.

Avoid Unhealthy Foods:

• Naturally sweetened foods such as fruits are better than foods and drinks with added sugar or artificial sweeteners. Drinks that are high in calories but low in nutritional value should be eliminated from one’s diet. Aerated drinks can be substituted with buttermilk, coconut water or fresh lime.
• Junk foods are high in calories and have no nutritional value.
• Healthy fats are good. On the other hand, low-fat versions of cooking oils, margarine, butter, sauces, mayonnaise, salad dressings, sour cream and cream cheese are recommended.

Home-Cooked Meals:

• Simple home meals using low-fat cooking methods such as baking, broiling, grilling and boiling are recommended.
• Fried foods are not helpful.

Exercise:

• Walking, yoga and swimming are generally safe and effective exercises for pregnant women. But it is important to consult a doctor before starting an exercise regimen.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How does being underweight affect a woman's chances of conceiving?
  Underweight women, defined by a BMI less than 18.5, may take longer to conceive and face a higher risk of miscarriages. This is often due to insufficient fat cells, leading to reduced estrogen production, irregular menstrual cycles, or issues with ovulation.

• What are the risks of being underweight during pregnancy?
  Being underweight during pregnancy can lead to severe nausea and vomiting, preterm delivery, low birth weight of the baby, and increased health risks for both mother and child, including higher mortality rates.

• Why is BMI important during pregnancy?
  BMI is a crucial indicator of maternal health during pregnancy. A BMI below 18.5 kg/m^2 is considered underweight and can signal potential health risks for both the mother and the baby.

• What types of foods should underweight pregnant women focus on?
  Underweight pregnant women should focus on nutrient-rich foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. These foods provide essential vitamins and fiber while being low in calories and fat.

• Are there any foods to avoid during pregnancy for underweight women?
  Underweight pregnant women should avoid foods high in added sugars or artificial sweeteners, aerated drinks, and junk food. Low-nutritional value foods can lead to inadequate weight gain and nutrient deficiencies.

• What kind of exercise is recommended for underweight pregnant women?
  Safe exercises for underweight pregnant women typically include walking, yoga, and swimming. However, it's crucial to consult a doctor before starting any exercise regimen during pregnancy to ensure safety and appropriateness.