A recent study says that gaining no weight during pregnancy or even losing a little weight may be healthier for obese women and their babies than gaining too much weight.
 
The investigators from Kaiser Permanente concluded that obese women who gain more weight than is required during pregnancy have more chances to keep the weight on.
 
Almost three out of four women in the study put on more than 15 pounds during pregnancy and these women, on an average, retained 40% of the extra weight for nearly a year after giving birth.
 
Study lead author Kimberly K. Vesco, MD, tells WebMD, obstetrician/gynecologist said, "Younger women and first-time mothers were the most likely to gain too much weight".
 
A survey found that nearly half of the pregnant women in the United States today are either overweight or obese which is 25% above what it was four decades ago.
 
Few studies also suggest that obese women who do not put on much weight during pregnancy have lesser delivery complications and the babies are healthier and fare better than those who gain more weight than is recommended.