Obesity and pregnancy

Obesity is a major public health and economic concern. It can impact many areas of your health. New research has looked at the link between obesity during pregnancy -- and the health of the unborn baby.

How does obesity increase the risk for birth defects? It's suspected the higher rates of diabetes among obese mothers may play a role. Obese women can also have some nutritional deficiencies such as decreased levels of folic acid. The risk for birth defects is still low, but it is important for women to know that there is a link.

Pregnancy is not a time to diet or lose weight because the baby may not get enough nutrients, but it is generally advised that obese women not gain as much weight -- 15 pounds as opposed to 25 to 30 pounds for normal-weight women.

If you're overweight or obese, see a health care professional at least six months before you plan on becoming pregnant so you can put together a weight loss and eating program that will give your future baby the best chance.

Researchers at Newcastle University reviewed a number of studies looking at obesity and pregnancy. They found women who are obese during pregnancy had an increased risk of certain birth defects like Spina Bifida and heart defects.

Obese women were also twice as likely to give birth to low-weight babies -- weighing less than five pounds. A woman is considered obese if her body mass index, or BMI, is greater than 30.

Mediterranean diets and health

Past research has shown following a Mediterranean-style diet can help protect against heart disease and diabetes. Now there's new evidence that it can protect your brain as well.

Doctors from Columbia university followed 1,800 seniors over a five year period. Most of the seniors had normal mental functioning at the start of the study, while some had mild cognitive impairment. The people with no memory problems who followed a Mediterranean-style diet reduced their risk of developing cognitive impairment by 28 per cent.

Those who started the study with some memory problems, and stuck to a Mediterranean diet --reduced their risk of developing full-blown Alzheimer's by half. The diet has multiple benefits, including lowering blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and reducing inflammation in the body.

With a report from CTV British Columbia's Dr Rhonda Low