Excess weight gain during certain part of pregnancy can impact baby’s health: research

EDMONTON – A University of Alberta researcher has a warning for women about gaining too much weight during a certain part of their pregnancy.

Packing on too many pounds at the beginning of a pregnancy nearly triples the chances of a baby being born heavier, according to a recent study led by Margie Davenport from the U of A’s Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation.

While it’s not entirely known why the first half of the pregnancy seems to be so crucial, previous studies suggest excess weight gain during this time may trigger an insulin resistance, which can lead to heavier newborns.

Where that becomes more troubling is the fact that bigger babies are at a higher risk of becoming overweight or obese later in life.

“In a society where we’re seeing over 60 per cent of our population is overweight and obese, this is something that – from the time of conception – that we have a little bit of control over,” says registered dietitian and new mom Sarah O’Hara, who specializes in pregnancy nutrition.

She adds many expecting moms are surprised to hear that they don’t actually need any additional calories during their first trimester.

“It’s not until the second trimester where you need an additional about 350 calories a day or about two Food Guide servings of extra food. And in the third trimester, about 450 extra calories per day, which is about three extra servings,” explains O’Hara.

To put that into perspective, 350 calories is the rough equivalent of an extra snack like half a bagel with a glass of milk, a small muffin and a piece of cheese, or some carrots and hummus.

“It’s not a lot of food, and it’s definitely not eating for two, which is the old myth.”

For those pregnant women who seem to constantly feel hungry, O’Hara recommends eating more frequently, and suggests having three smaller meals and three snacks a day.

The ideal weight gain women should be aiming for during their pregnancy depends on their body mass index. Those who fit into the “healthy” range should put on between 25 to 35 pounds, according to the 2009 U.S. Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommendations adopted by Health Canada.

In addition to potentially affecting your baby’s future health, some research has shown excess weight gain during pregnancy also puts mothers at risk for high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, and even the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later on.

So along with proper eating habits, being physically active is encouraged during pregnancy.

“When most women become pregnant, they’re sort of inundated with this idea that it’s a time to rest and relax and it’s a time to eat for two,” says Davenport. “I always sort of recommend that pregnancy is a time when you should try and be more active, not be sedentary. And eat twice as healthy.”

Davenport’s study included data from 172 healthy, expecting and non-smoking mothers living in London, Ontario between 1995 and 2011. All women in the study were encouraged to follow a basic exercise program of three to four aerobic workouts a week.

Based on her results, Davenport says there is a need for better education and monitoring of pregnant women.

With files from Su-Ling Goh, Global News
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