The Pediatric Research Journal has published a study which suggests that the Body Mass Index (BMI) of Mothers has a direct impact on the body weight of their baby. They also suggested that mothers with a high BMI during pregnancy could lead to long-term metabolic problems for the child.
It is important not just to access parents after they have given birth but to communicate the importance of eating well from a young age so that when the time comes and women decide they want to have a baby they are ready and prepared for it in every way possible. A BMI of 30kg/m² and over (obese) is linked with many health problems for mother and baby, from an increased risk of having a miscarriage to birth defects as well as this recent finding. The best way to avoid these risks is to lose weight BEFORE you become pregnant. It is important to remember that weight loss is not a quick fix. Faddy diets, skipping meals and cutting out whole food groups can result in your health and even your weight being worse in the long run and certainly won’t improve the chances of you having a baby.
For more information see here: http://www.mindfulmum.co.uk/news/heavy-babies-linked-to-high-mum-bmi/