Overweight women are being warned by doctors not to “eat for
two” during pregnancy. Experts have become concerned about the
increasing numbers of mothers-to-be who are overweight or obese
at the start of their pregnancy. This increases the risk of
complications for both mother and child. Guidance published by
the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists says that
while most who are overweight will have a straightforward
pregnancy, the heavier a woman is, the higher the risk of
complications such as blood clots and high blood pressure. Those
with a BMI over 35 need to be under the care of a doctor rather
than a midwife. The guidance urges pregnant women to base their
meals on starchy foods such as potatoes, rice and pasta,
choosing wholegrain options. “Watch the portion size of your
meals and snacks and how often you eat,” it says. “Do not ‘eat
for two’.” – Daily Mail