Does being underweight cause problems in pregnancy?
Prof Mini Sood
Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology,
University Technology Mara,
Malaysia
Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology,
University Technology Mara,
Malaysia
Q: My 27 years old friend weighs 43 kg and her height is 158 cm. Her Body Mass Index (BMI) reflects that she is underweight. Will being underweight cause her problems during pregnancy?
A:Putting on weight is easier than shedding it. She can try having a high calorie, high protein meals for some time, and she will surely gain weight. Yes, being too much underweight can lead to smaller babies, during pregnancy, as well as premature labour.