Pregnant women who are overweight or those who are obese, considering that “eating for two,” are more at risk to aggravate their situation, as a new study shows.

Researchers warn that weight gain during pregnancy can lead to prolonged problems with weight in general, as well as cause premature birth. They suggest that women should consult their physician before conceiving or in the early stages of pregnancy..

Pregnancy and Excessive Weight Lead author Cynthia Chuang (Medical College of the State University of Pennsylvania) notes that women who monitor weight gain during pregnancy can prevent potential complications.

In the course of the study, researchers conducted a survey among 29 overweight women who recently gave birth to the composition of their diet, morning weakness and exercise during pregnancy..

Experts do not recommend women with normal weight during pregnancy to gain more than 11-16 extra pounds, overweight women - 7-11 pounds and those who are obese - 5-9 pounds.

Women who gained more weight than prescribed by the rules, most often thought that they eat for two. Researchers note that they also did less exercise, chose less healthy foods and often indulged their desires..

At the same time, women, whose weight gain remained within the normal range, followed a certain eating plan and were always attentive to their consumer choice.. They also did not exceed the daily calorie intake and exercise in almost the same rhythm as before pregnancy..

About half of the women followed the rate of weight gain, but in the group of those who gained too much weight during pregnancy, almost no one exercised of moderate intensity within the recommended 150 minutes per week.

Pregnant women with normal weight should not consume more than 300 calories per day. It is not difficult to guess that in case of overweight or obesity, this figure should be even lower..

dietolog. org.

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