Both too much or little weight gain during pregnancy not good for baby

The authors say: "We found evidence of linkage between GWG and several cardiometabolic risk factors in the offspring aged 7 years, independently of maternal BMI prior to pregnancy and glucose level during pregnancy. These findings have important implications for both prevention and treatment. There is a need for greater awareness and monitoring of weight gain during pregnancy. Pregnancy might be a potential window of opportunity for intervention through modifiable behaviors, including maternal nutrition and physical activity."

"Although limiting excessive GWG may help minimize the intergenerational cycle of obesity, the benefits of lower weight gain must be balanced against other cardiometabolic risks -- such as high blood pressure and poorer blood sugar control --and risk of stunted growth in the offspring if GWG is inadequate." they further substantiate.

"Long-term follow-up of these children is necessary to evaluate the effect of maternal GWG on cardiometabolic risk in adolescence and adulthood," they concluded.