Welcome to my new series Know the Facts a weekly column that I will be writing as I take on my new role as a March of Dimes Mom. If you would like to learn more about the March of Dimes, please visit the March of Dimes ‘About Us’ Page.

This month, the topic of discussion focuses on Birth Defects and Genetics as January is Birth Defects Prevention Month. As many of you know, I am currently struggling to lose weight- a lot of weight. We currently have one living daughter but lost our first daughter at 19.5 weeks gestation. I am not going to go into details now, but due to cervical problems and my tendency to be plagued with Hyperemesis, I am considered high risk. It is not a term that I like, but it is a fact. And due to this fact, I am focused on losing at least 60 pounds before trying to get pregnant again.

Don’t get me wrong- I know that being overweight is not the reason for my Hyperemesis nor is it why I have been diagnosed with an “incompetent cervix,” (another term that I despise because it makes me feel inadequate). However, there are some very real concerns when one is overweight/obese and pregnant. Some risks may include Gestational Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Preeclampsia. Being overweight may also increase a mother’s chance of having a C-section which can lead to other problems. In addition, children born to overweight mothers may be at an increased risk for complications and childhood obesity.

So if you are like me, and want to have more children (or even a first child), learn more about what you can do to help reduce risk factors that you may face during your… Continue reading →