New guidelines released set how much weight women should gain during pregnancy — surprisingly little if they're already overweight. The most important message: Get to a healthy weight before you conceive, says the Institute of Medicine in the first national recommendations on pregnancy weight since 1990. It's healthiest for the mother — less chance of pregnancy-related high blood pressure or diabetes, or the need for a C-section — and it's best for the baby, too.
Babies born to overweight mothers have a greater risk of premature birth or of later becoming overweight themselves, among other concerns. Once a woman's pregnant, the guidelines aren't too different from what obstetricians already recommend, although about half of women don't follow that advice today. Among the new recommendations:
- A normal-weight woman should gain between 25 and 35 pounds during pregnancy.
- An overweight woman should gain 15 to 25 pounds during pregnancy.
- Obese women should gain 11 to 20 pounds.
- An underweight woman should gain 28 to 40 pounds.
The guidelines call for increased nutrition and exercise counseling during pregnancy, saying doctors or midwives may need to consult a dietitian to tailor a woman's care no matter her starting weight. Also, providers should discuss whether a woman plans to breastfeed, which not only is optimal for the baby but helps the new mother shed pounds, too.
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