Pregnant women warned against obesity.

By Meghna Mukerjee

The level of obesity among pregnant women in England has reached alarming levels. Experts say this increase is putting the health of their babies at risk.

The NHS independent advisory body, The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, has now issued new guidelines encouraging women in England to attain a healthy weight before getting pregnant. The guidelines are meant to reduce the conflicting advice mothers receive about nutrition, fitness and exercise during and after pregnancy.

It also advises them not to eat for two once they conceive. Many women feel they get confused with the conflicting advice they receive regarding their health during pregnancy.

NICE has said that women with a body mass index of more than 30 should be encouraged to lose weight before they become pregnant. During pregnancy, losing weight can be harmful to the unborn child, so women are advised to eat healthily and to do gentle exercise.

After giving birth, women are advised to lose weight gradually. Experts from NICE feel that celebrities who regain their pre-baby figures very fast end up putting unrealistic pressure on mothers.

Professor Mike Kelly, NICE public health director for NICE, told the BBC that, "Women should understand that weight loss after birth takes time, and physical activity and gradual weight loss will not affect their ability to breastfeed. Losing weight gradually can actually help women maintain a healthy weight in the long term."

In addition to harming the baby, a woman's obesity during pregnancy can increase her risk of developing serious health complications like gestational diabetes, miscarriage, stillbirth and pre-eclampsia. And she is more prone to having a Caesarean Section.

NICE wants local authorities to help pregnant women by giving them more opportunities to exercise at affordable prices, and to provide more crèches for their children.