| If you are overweight when you become pregnant, | | | | overweight and obese women will gain too much |
| your physician will likely recommend that you gain less | | | | weight, defined as weight exceeding 40 pounds or |
| weight than a woman who is average or normal | | | | more, during their pregnancy. |
| weight. You should not diet during pregnancy because | | | | Women who are obese and give birth are also more |
| it is vital that you supply your body and unborn baby | | | | at risk for maternal mortality during labor and delivery. |
| with an adequate number of nutrients. What you can | | | | The cesarean rates are often higher because labor |
| do however to minimize your weight gain is to ensure | | | | fails to progress in a timely fashion. |
| that you eat a healthy selection of foods during your | | | | Did you know that gaining more than the |
| pregnancy. | | | | recommended amount of weight during pregnancy |
| One of the best things you can do to avoid too much | | | | also puts you at risk for being overweight several |
| weight gain is ensure that you have a healthy selection | | | | years after pregnancy? |
| of snacks handy when at times when hunger strikes. | | | | Babies born to mothers that are overweight might also |
| Think about things like yogurt, raisins, nuts, fruit and | | | | experience a number of health problems. Those most |
| other healthy selections that are not only convenient | | | | often cited by studies include an increased risk of |
| but also taste good. | | | | congenital heart defects and a greater risk of neural |
| There are health conditions that being overweight or | | | | tube defects. |
| obese increases the risk for during pregnancy. Among | | | | The best thing you can do for yourself and the health |
| these include: | | | | of your unborn child is maintain a healthy weight prior |
| - Preeclampsia | | | | to becoming pregnant. If you are overweight, work |
| - Premature Birth | | | | with your healthcare provider or a nutritionist to come |
| - Gestational Diabetes | | | | up with a sound dietary regimen that will ensure that |
| - Cesarean Sections | | | | you gain an appropriate amount of weight for |
| Giving Birth to Children with Obesity Problems | | | | maintaining a healthy pregnancy. Adopting healthy |
| Unfortunately women who are already overweight | | | | habits during your pregnancy often results in a 'carry |
| prior to pregnancy are more likely to gain excessive | | | | over' effect, meaning you are more likely to eat |
| amounts of weight during pregnancy. Several studies | | | | healthily after giving birth as well as before. |
| have suggested that more than 80 percent of | | | | |