Risks of Excess Weight Gain in Pregnancy

A new report found that excess weight gain during pregnancy is linked to an increased risk of death from heart disease or diabetes in the following years. Suzy Lipinski, M.D., a board-certified OBGYN at Obstetrix® of Colorado, part of Pediatrix® Medical Group, said the study does not show cause and effect, but it does demonstrate that increased weight gain was associated with future health issues. “We know that those who gain excess weight in pregnancy are more likely to keep that extra weight on after delivery and that carrying extra weight increases [the] risk for diabetes, heart disease and many types of cancer,” said Dr. Lipinski. Fortunately, many patients are motivated to make healthy decisions during pregnancy to support the health of their infant. “Being able to show them with studies like this that the impact goes well beyond just the pregnancy time period is even further motivation to make healthy choices.”

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