Weight gained in pregnancy may not drop

Obese women who gain more than 15 pounds during pregnancy tend to retain much of it long after delivery.

For an obese woman, gaining too much weight during pregnancy also increases the risk of complications, such as diabetes, hypertension, preeclampsia, bigger babies, C-sections and birthing injuries.

Researchers studied 1,656 obese women, (their body mass index (BMI) was 30 or higher) who gave birth between 2000 and 2005 in America, to evaluate the effect of weight gain above that recommended for term pregnancy on postpartum weight retention at one-year among women. They noted the women's starting weight (between six months before conception and 12 weeks after conception), delivery weight and their later weight at eight and 18 months after giving birth. The researchers defined excess weight gain as more than 15 pounds.

It was found that 70 percent of the women were exceeding the recommended weight gain for women in their weight category. These women had a lot of difficulty losing that weight, and on average retained 40 percent of it (a year later). Younger women and first-time mothers were most likely to put on too much weight.

The women who gained 15 to 25 pounds were twice as likely to retain 10 pounds of that weight over the next year and a half, compared to women who had less weight gain. Those who packed on more than 35 pounds were almost eight-times more likely to retain 10 pounds of that extra bulk.

The researchers concluded that gestational weight gain beyond the recommendation for obese women substantially increase the risk of weight retention at one-year postpartum. It is matter of concern as the women are already heavy enough to have health problems related to their weight, and retaining significant weight gain after pregnancy just makes it worse.

Here are some tips to control weight gain during pregnancy:

• Watch your diet. Each day have 8 to 12 servings of fruits and vegetables, 3 servings of low-fat dairy, 5 to 9 ounces of protein-rich foods, 6 to 10 servings of whole grains and 3 to 7 teaspoons of fats, such as olive oil and nuts.
• Eat regular meals and small healthy snacks between meals.
• Cut fat to less than 30 percent of your calories.
• Cut back on sweets and sugary drinks.
• Keep a food diary to check for nutritional adequacy and portion management.
• Have only 100 to 300 calories a day more than you had before you became pregnant.
• Exercise at least 30 minutes a day. If you don't exercise, ask your doctor how to start an exercise program.

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