Excess Weight Gain During Pregnancy

Too Many Pounds May Increase Risk of Childhood Obesity

Oct 5, 2008

Research shows that women who have a history of dieting are more likely to add more pounds during pregnancy. Excess weight gain may negatively impact a child's weight.

Tara Parker-Pope of the New York Times says that researchers recently polled 1,200 women on their eating habits, their normal weight, and weight gain during pregnancy. According to Lisa Rodriguez, R.N. and Marjorie Greenfield, M.D. of drspock.com, women who are at a normal weight before pregnancy are recommended to gain 25-35 pounds during pregnancy, but women who are already overweight should only gain about 15-20 pounds. The study found that regardless of whether the women were overweight or not before pregnancy, those who diet are more likely to exceed the recommended weight gain during pregnancy.

According to The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers believe that the environment in the uterus may be one of the earliest determining factors for weight gain and obesity in humans, so the study's purpose is to observe the correlation between weight gain during pregnancy and obesity in the child. Data was examined during the pregnancy and when the child reaches age seven. The journal lists these results:

What are some of the concerns for excess weight gain? Parker-Pope says “Excess weight gain increases risk for Caesarean sections, having a large baby, shorter duration of breast-feeding and a more difficult time losing weight after delivery.” The NIH's Pubmed.gov reports that exceeding recommended weight gain, regardless of pre-pregnancy mass, was a measure of failure for initiating or continuing to breast-feed. Difficulty in breast-feeding an infant can impact the child’s health, so staying within the suggested weight gain allowance is crucial. While excess weight gain is an issue, mothers need to remember that not gaining enough weight is even more important, since the child may not get enough nutrition.

What can an expecting mother do to stay at a healthy weight during pregnancy? Rodriguez and Greenfield say that pregnancy should not be an excuse to eat excessively, but women should eat an extra 300 calories a day to gain the recommended amount of weight. Women should gain about 7-10 pounds in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy, then about half a pound to one pound each week during the second half. Mothers should continue to eat a well-balanced diet and seek the help of a dietician for nutritional advice, especially if they have unhealthy eating habits or eating disorders.

The copyright of the article Excess Weight Gain During Pregnancy in Prenatal Health is owned by Denise Musumeci. Permission to republish Excess Weight Gain During Pregnancy in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.