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Thank you for the wonderful commentary on such an important topic. However, as a practicing ob/gyn, I am concerned that not one of your guests is an ob/gyn or perinatologist (high risk ob physician). As part of my practice, I discuss nutrition and appropriate weight gain at every visit with my ob patients. Obesity leads to so many complications that we deal with every day. The risk to the mother includes challenging vaginal deliveries, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, risk of surgical intervention, and risk of surgical complications if patients do need a cesarean section. Complications later in life include endometrial cancer, breast cancer, severe urinary incontinence, diabetes, osteoarthritis, high blood pressure, and heart disease. The questions from the people writing in are good ones, and I encourage patients to bring those questions to their ob/gyn or primary care physician who deals with those complications most often. I am saddened by people who report not enough time with their physicians, but remember, health is a proactive endeavor. Patients must pursue what is in their best interest in partnership with their physician. The reality is that pregnant moms need only an additional 300-400 calories a day while pregnant. We have to let go of the image of eating for two. 

posted 3 years, 7 months ago
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