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