"Most women are told to eat for two, since the growing baby also requires nourishment. So they end up gorging more than their daily requirement," says Sushila Sharangdhar, Consultant Dietician.

Gains of Concern

If you are overweight, then you could risk your pregnancy with health conditions and complications such as:

• Pre-eclampsia or hypertension.
• Gestational diabetes.
• A c-section because the labour fails to progress on time.
• Premature delivery or miscarriage.

It could also result in your baby developing problems like:

• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Heart and Lung defects

Women who are obese and pregnant are also at a higher risk of maternal mortality, i.e.: death during labour and delivery.

The Ideal Weight

Ideally, you should not gain more than 11 to 12 kgs throughout your pregnancy. And weight gain has to be slow and steady.

"When pregnant, women should start off with a minimum weight gain of one kilo and then continue to gain 1 ½ to 2 kgs per month until the last trimester," informs Dr. Rishma Pai.

Any abrupt weight gain or loss is a cause for concern.

You can gain extra weight in three ways.

1. By eating junk and fatty food

2. Due to hormonal or thyroid problems

3. Due to water retention or edema

Pushing 90 Already?

In case you happen to weigh 90 kilos prior to getting pregnant, then doctors don't recommend any weight gain during pregnancy. If you do gain weight, it should be kept minimal. i.e. not more than 4-5 kgs throughout your pregnancy.

Eating Right

In case you are planning on having a baby, the best thing would be to make sure you are at a healthy weight first.

"The keyword for every mother-to-be is nutrition," says Sharangdhar. Do not gorge on fatty foods.

If you are overweight and pregnant, consult a nutritionist or your gynaecologist. Work out a dietary regimen to ensure that you gain an appropriate amount of weight during your pregnancy.

A well balanced diet should contain all the food groups in appropriate amounts. Try and eat natural fruits and vegetables.

There aren't any specific foods to avoid. However, healthy eating habits during pregnancy ensure healthy eating after delivery. And in turn, your baby will be well nourished.