The findings of a new study suggests that obese women are more likely to gain weight which is beyond the recommended limit during pregnancy and find it very difficult to shed those extra pounds in the long run. The researchers concluded that the weight retained by women one year after the pregnancy was a direct result of how much weight she gained during her pregnancy period.

In a written statement given by Dr. Kimberly K. Vesco who practices at the Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, the percentage of obese women gaining excess weight during pregnancy is alarmingly high and it becomes increasingly difficult for them to lose that extra weight. The situation is alarming for the fact that it not only poses a threat to the future health but also increases the risk of pregnancy complications and complex delivery in women. The complications can result in gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia which cause high blood pressure. The potentially dangerous condition is also marked by fluid retention and protein in the urine.

The Institute of Medicine has suggested a minimum of 11 pounds and a maximum of 20 pounds of weight gain for the obese women during pregnancy. Some of the suggestions given by the researchers for controlling the weight gain during the pregnancy include taking regular meals with small snacks in between those meals. It is also advisable to exercise for at least 30 minutes on a regular basis. The daily calories intake should also not exceed more than 100 calories than their pre-pregnancy intake.