Pregnant Obese Women Told to Gain No Weight

New study will try to eliminate extra pounds for healthier mom and baby

By Harry Kimball, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 15, 2009 11:10 AM CST

(Newser) – The changing tides of pregnancy and weight research have yielded a novel program that hopes to produce healthy moms and babies: the no-weight gain pregnancy for obese women. A 4-year study will provide expectant mothers with dietary support to keep extra pounds to zero, or at least under 3% of starting body weight. Researchers think deliveries may be smoother and produce healthier babies—and obese moms may learn a thing or two.

“Pregnancy is what we call a teachable moment,” a researcher tells the New York Times, a time to encourage healthier practices that could last far past delivery. And contrary to popular belief, many experts say women require only a few hundred extra calories a day during gestation. But the approach worries some, who think eating less could harm the development of the fetus somehow.

[Images (2)]

[Quotes (1)]

Researchers figure women quit smoking and drinking during pregnancy, so why not have them try healthier eating? (AP Photo)

A woman eats a chocolate bar. (AP Photo)

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Some of these women may be losing fat mass, and the question is: Is losing fat mass during pregnancy, when you’re in a higher BMI category, is that safe for the baby? - Dr. Naomi E. Stotland, UC San Francisco

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Pregnant Obese Women Told to Gain No Weight