High BMI in Pregnant Women is Tied to ADHD Risk in Newborns

Are you thinking of or currently trying to get pregnant? Well weight may play an important role in this exciting new journey.

In order to minimize risks during pregnancy, it is recommended that you start at a healthy weight. The BMI Ranges are as follows:

• Underweight: BMI below 18.5

• Normal weight: 18.5 to 24.9

• Overweight: 25.0 to 29.9

• Obese: BMI above 30.0

According recent research, there was a positive link between women with a BMI above 30 or diagnosed with obesity, and a greater risk of their child developing obesity. Now from a dietetic perspective, it is not within our scope of practice to stop a disease for occurring. However, there are some preventative nutritional measures that can be taken that may lower and prevent certain disorders from occurring. A child diagnosed with ADHD is typically diagnosed anywhere between the ages of 6 to 12 while symptoms tend to decrease with age. Genes and lifestyle are also known to play a role in this condition. However, without genes being a factor in the risk of ADHD, it has been found that there is a direct link between ADHD and a mother with a BMI above 30 regardless of gene coding. What exactly can be done to prevent this diagnosis in a child from a nutritional standpoint? It is important that a mother who wishes to conceive tries to lose weight in order to fall into the normal weight to minimize the risk of complications and lower the risk of her child developing ADHD. Ways that can help maintain or achieve a BMI between18.5 and 24.9 is physical exercise and eating well balanced meals.

Physical activity can help manage weight and it is recommended that around 30 minutes a day of light to moderate exercise is recommended. Not only is exercise important if you are thinking of managing your weight due to pregnancy, but it may also lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and obesity for the mother as well. Many times, ADHD is more frequently diagnosed in males rather than females. However, females also run the risk of developing ADHD as well so it is important to monitor your children after giving birth such as fidgeting, difficulty focusing and completing tasks, and a hard time following directions or remembering activities of the day.

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