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Abstract
Excessive gestational weight gain has been shown to relate to high-postpartum weight
retention and the development of overweight and obesity later in life. Because many
women are concerned about the health of their babies during pregnancy and are in frequent
contact with their healthcare providers, pregnancy may be an especially powerful "teachable
moment" for the promotion of healthy eating and physical activity behaviors among
women. Initial research suggests that helping women gain the recommended amount during
pregnancy through healthy eating and physical activity could make a major contribution
to the prevention of postpartum weight retention. However, more randomized controlled
trials with larger sample sizes are needed to identify the most effective and disseminable
intervention. Providers have the potential to prevent high postpartum weight retention
and future obesity by monitoring weight gain during pregnancy and giving appropriate
advice about recommended amounts of gestational weight gain.
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