Why Pre-Pregnancy Health Matters

KYW's Medical Reports Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- One of the most important predictors of a healthy pregnancy is being as healthy as possible prior to getting pregnant, the woman's health as well as good prenatal care can have a major impact. But there is disturbing news according to a new report from the CDC, more than half of U.S women are either overweight or obese prior to becoming pregnant. We know these statistics because maternal pre-pregnancy weight and height was added to the national standard birth certificate after 2003, and researchers used that data from 47 to get the information. Obesity before pregnancy was more common among women who were older, less educated, and had public insurance. Race and ethnicity also played a role, with overweight and obese BMI more common in certain ethnic groups. Scientists feel that public service messaging is necessary for all groups in an effort to reach out to the large number of women who could benefit from counseling.