Although ACOG guidelines include recommendations
for pregnancy weight management for
overweight and obese women, some experts consider
the current pregnancy weight gain guidelines too
high and suggest weight gain should be limited to 15
pounds (Vogel, 2006). Overweight and obesity have
been known to complicate pregnancy and may cause
an increased rate of morbidity for both the mother
and baby (Reece, 2006). Increased morbidity likely
stems from issues with blood pressure and diabetes
since they are more common in overweight women
(Vogel, 2006). Dundas and Yarbro (2000) suggest
physicians, dietitians, and other health care providers
should discuss appropriate weight gain with pregnant
women early in pregnancy so that women can
make efforts during the first trimester to overcome
poor eating habits and reach specific weight goals.
Excess or inadequate weight gain may be influenced
by lack of knowledge and understanding regarding
the importance of a nutritious diet or the failure of
health professionals to properly educate patients on
this topic. Polley, Wing, and Sims (2002) found that
interventions for normal weight women, including
education and behavioral strategies that promote
healthy low-fat eating, exercise, and appropriate
pregnancy weight gain, had a significant effect on
the amount of weight gained.