Obese Mum, Obese Baby?

Health professionals have long advised women of the importance of maintaining a healthy weight during pregnancy, both for the health of mothers-to-be and their babies. Being overweight in pregnancy can put women at risk of developing dangerous conditions such as gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia, and also makes women more likely to need intervention during labour or a caesarean. However, studies by the British Nutritional Foundation have found another reason to watch your weight during pregnancy; a child's likelihood of being obese is 'set in the womb'. The BNF studied the weight and eating habits of mothers-to-be and the impact these have on their baby. The report found evidence to link pregnant women's weight and eating habits to obesity in their children, prompting the conclusion that eating habits are formed while in the womb. Sara Stanner, science program manager at BNF, said: "There is now unequivocal evidence to show the biological link between obesity and weight-related health issues in women and their children'.

Watching What You Eat?

Watching what you eat while you are pregnant may not be enough however, as experts at BNF believe that a baby's propensity to be overweight is determined at conception, and that some people's increased appetite in later life is a result of their mother's weight and eating habits while pregnant. This means women should strive to be a healthy weight before they get pregnant. Stanner states 'Once a baby is conceived, the biological framework for its future health is already set'.

With the UK having the highest percentage in all of Europe of obese women, and nearly half of all child-bearing women in the UK being overweight or obese, this new finding is a blow for the fight against obesity. To add to the obesity epidemic, half of all pregnancies in the UK are unplanned, which means many women don't have the chance to get into a healthier lifestyle before they get pregnant. And the problem is set to rise; BBC news reports that obesity among women of childbearing age is expected to rise to 28% by 2015.

Despite pregnancy often being viewed as a time when women can indulge freely in extra portions and previously guilt ridden snacks, women only actually need an extra 200 calories a day, from week 28. This is roughly two slices of plain bread. Louise Silverton, director for midwifery at the Royal College of Midwives (RCM), said of the report by BNF: "We look forward to this report with great interest. We know that good nutrition is incredibly important to the health of the pregnant woman and her developing baby. Good nutrition in pregnancy can also have a significant impact on the health of the baby well into its adult life, and midwives are perfectly placed to stress the importance of a good diet before and during pregnancy'.

Calories, Calories, Calories

UK guidelines however state that during pregnancy is not the time to start a strict diet, as women need to eat adequate calories for their baby to thrive. If you're worried about your weight during pregnancy, see your doctor who can advise you on any changes you should make. To ensure you and your baby are as healthy as possible, try and embark on a healthy lifestyle as soon as you start trying for a baby. This will increase your chances of conceiving at the same time! During pregnancy, make sure you follow a healthy lifestyle to keep you and your baby well. For help on how to plan a healthy lifestyle from pre-conception through to pregnancy, the BNF has devised a 4-week planner to help women adopt a healthier lifestyle.

This article is a feature from the MUM.com Trusted Bloggers Club.

About the author

Alice Edwards

Rosanne Moulding, 24, works as an editor and writer for Mum Network. She enjoys reading and writing children's and teenage fiction and her debut novel will be released later this year.

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