It seems that more and more North American women are overweight or obese before and throughout their pregnancies.
This might not mean much on its own accord. However, a recent study from the Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism says that if mom is overweight before and during pregnancy; the chances of delivering a heavier baby are much higher.
The new research, which looked at key factors that cause obesity during pregnancy and after delivery also find that the more overweight mom happens to be; the higher risk that baby will be not only overweight as well, but also develop weight-associated chronic diseases down the road.
Study researchers looked at factors that affect weight gain for expecting women—including maternal diet, gestational weight gain, and metabolic disturbances—and found that pregnant moms can pass along these traits to their unborn children.
Source: Vancouver Sun