Is it to get pregnant first or lose weight first when having a second child?

With the implementation of the second-child policy, mothers either pressured or voluntarily want to have a second child and have started preparing for it. To give birth to a healthy baby, plus-size mothers have already started losing weight, while some mothers have chosen to sit on the sidelines, ignoring the obesity issue. Their argument is that if they lose weight before pregnancy, their figures will become distorted after giving birth, so it's better to lose weight after childbirth to avoid the trouble. This argument also sounds quite reasonable. So, should one get pregnant first and then lose weight, or lose weight first and then get pregnant?

Experts recommend losing weight before pregnancy. Dr. John Hagen from the微创外科中心 (Minimally Invasive Surgery Center) at the University of Toronto in Canada once stated at a summit that women who have been obese from an early developmental stage or childhood often have poorly developed uteri, dysfunctional ovaries, and even incomplete external genital development with amenorrhea, with secondary sexual characteristics not appearing. These patients have difficulty conceiving.

Obesity has become a significant "obstacle" for these women in having a second child. Obesity not only affects fertility but also increases the risks of childbirth.

Women who are obese before pregnancy are more likely to experience pregnancy-related and medical complications, such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, preeclampsia, venous thromboembolism, phlebitis, anemia, and nephritis. The likelihood of miscarriage during pregnancy and difficult labor during delivery is also higher.

According to research, if a mother is overweight, the mortality rate of the fetus during the perinatal period is higher. Additionally, pre-pregnancy obesity is more likely to cause birth defects, increase the risk of macrosomia, and lower postnatal blood sugar levels. Furthermore, recent scientific studies have found that excessive weight gain and obesity during pregnancy can weaken the baby's immunity at birth, making them more susceptible to illnesses.

Moreover, obesity is hereditary. Overweight mothers are more likely to have overweight babies. Excessive obesity increases the risk of various diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, fatty liver disease, and even cancer. Overweight mothers are also more likely to have overweight babies. When a mother passes on "obesity" to her child, it similarly increases the child's health risks. A study published in *Circulation* suggests that this impact can last for decades in the child's future.

To protect both themselves and their babies, weight loss should be prioritized before pregnancy. Pre-pregnancy weight loss focuses on improving basal metabolic rate. By the time mothers are ready for a second child, they are no longer young, and their physical fitness has declined after the first birth, with weakened bodily functions and a slower basal metabolic rate. A declining basal metabolic rate means you can gain weight even if you don't eat more than before.

So, how can one improve their basal metabolic rate? On one hand, it's essential to maintain regular exercise. Exercise is the best way to boost metabolic rate, especially strength training. Combining aerobic exercise with strength training allows for simultaneous fat loss and muscle building, reducing body fat percentage and improving overall fitness. On the other hand, dietary control is crucial. Eat less high-sugar, high-fat foods and more foods rich in dietary fiber and high-quality proteins. Reduce the fat in oils, soups, and dishes, and eat more vegetables. Replace some refined grains and white rice with whole grains, beans, and tubers.

For more weight loss tips, follow our WeChat official account

'39减肥' WeChat ID: paireliang←Long press to copy)