Early pregnancy weight gain significantly increased the likelihood of giving weight to a fat baby, according to new research.
The research, conducted by the University of Alberta, one of Canada's leading schools, studied 172 healthy moms-to-be in Ontario. Those who gained excessive weight during the first half of their pregnancies were nearly three times as likely to give birth to bigger and longer babies with more body fat.
The study included data from 1995 and focused on non-smokers with a body mass index of at least 18.5 when they were between 16 and 20 weeks pregnant, according to a Science Daily article. A BMI below 18.5 is considered underweight, while anything above 25 is considered overweight.
"All women in the study were encouraged to follow a basic exercise program of three to four aerobic workouts a week. They also had access to eating guidelines to promote healthy weight gain during pregnancy," the article reported.
The study found that while more than half of the women in the study gained excessive weight, those who gained it during the first half of their pregnancy were 2.7 times more likely to birth larger babies with excessive body fat.
"Healthy eating and physical activity when pregnant have long-lasting benefits to mother and child," the study's lead author, Margie Davenport, told Science Daily. "Infants who are larger at birth tend to become larger children, and that creates a risk for developing into obese and overweight children and adults."
Davenport said the results of the study are indicative of the need to provide education on the dangers of early weight gain and the importance of healthy eating and exercise to expecting mothers.
"Expectant mothers and health professionals need to be aware of pregnancy weight-gain guidelines and follow them to build a foundation for a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby," Davenport said.
