ABSTRACT
The majority of adverse complications of obese pregnancies for both mother and child are strongly associated with prepregnancy Body mass index (BMI). Therefore, it can be reasonably assumed that preconception is the optimal time to introduce strategies to encourage weight loss so that women become pregnant with a healthy BMI. Intervention strategies designed to improve outcomes for mother and child in overweight and obese pregnant women have included dietary advice or physical activity or, more frequently, a combination of the two. Thus far, no adverse effects of limiting gestational weight gain within recommended limits in obese pregnant women by dietary or exercise interventions have been reported. In general, Low glycemic index diets have been shown to be safe in pregnancy with no adverse maternal effects reported, but issues regarding restricted fetal growth have been identified. Pragmatic study designs that encourage and support pregnant women and that can adapt to meet the cultural requirements of the local population, are essential.
