Name: Study finds increase in women who are overweight during pregnancy
Uploaded: 2025-12-14T08:08:45.818Z
Duration: 1 min 47 s
Description: A study by Monash University has found more women are overweight or obese during pregnancy, increasing the risks of gestational diabetes and dangerous cesarian surgeries.

A study by Monash University has found more women are overweight or obese during pregnancy, increasing the risks of gestational diabetes and dangerous cesarian surgeries.

Melbourne

A recent study involving over 63,000 mothers in Melbourne has revealed a significant rise in obesity and gestational diabetes among women before and during pregnancy. The research also noted an almost 10% increase in cesarean deliveries, raising concerns about the long-term health trajectory for mothers and babies in Australia.

Experts attribute these trends to factors such as increased maternal age, higher pre-pregnancy weights, and limited access to healthy food and support. While the Australian Medical Association supports a sugar tax to address these issues, the government has prioritized education and clearer food labeling, with experts urging for broader policy and systemic changes.

Study finds increase in women who are overweight during pregnancy

When Charlotte found out she was pregnant for the first time, a few things in her life had to change. I did sign up for PT at least twice a week. I also got a nutritionist to help with eating plans and she did a lot of blood works as well. And of course I had my OB. With so much information online and opinions, it was hard to know what's best. What levels of protein do you have? What vitamins do you need to do? What level of exercise? It can be very overwhelming, especially everyone's experiences are different. Alarming new research shows more women than ever are overweight before pregnancy. We're getting a little larger than we used to be and we're also having children later in life and so the two are merging. So we're actually hitting a spot where we're not as healthy. More than 63,000 Melbourne mums were studied, showing a rise in obesity and gestational diabetes and an almost 10% jump in cesarean deliveries. Which is having a knock-on effect. Researchers say the nation is on a rapidly concerning trajectory. We're just seeing a tip of the iceberg on what Australia's going to look like coming forward and it is not a healthy picture. The amount of healthy food available, support for expectant and new mums and national policy are key factors. Because the mums' sugar levels are high, so are the babies. The babies are effectively swimming around amongst jelly beans. Experts say one way to help create a downward trend is by introducing a sugar tax. An idea supported by the Australian Medical Association. But the government has opted for education and food label transparency. The approach of blaming the individual and not providing support at a policy and individual level is ineffective and we have to change it. To make sure that mums and bubs are healthy. Ashley Boholik, Ten News.

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