I read a really good article today about weight and the ridiculous obsession many girls have to be a size zero.  It pointed out that being skinny is not the be-all and end-all.

Another issue it raised is the different attitudes to female size in various countries.  For instance, a plump woman in certain parts of West Africa is considered quite desirable and many parents have been known to force feed their daughters so they can get good skinny husbands. 

However, with excess weight come stretch marks, high blood pressure and the risk of possible heart disease.  It’s a bit like being pregnant really.

I look back on my two pregnancies with mixed emotions.  I had morning sickness every day but loved the fact I could legitimately eat anything I wanted.  Infact, I was positively encouraged to do so because I was, after all, “eating for two”.

Although I put on almost three stone on both occasions, my weight gain wasn’t an issue apart from the obvious temporary physical problems, and luckily, as I breast fed both my sons, I was able to lose most of it afterwards fairly quickly.  Most – though not all and over the years it has steadily piled back on.

Mind you, whilst I have never been slim, I wasn’t particularly overweight when I got pregnant.  However, it seems now in our increasingly obese society, being very overweight is the fastest growing reason for death amongst women during, or shortly after giving birth.

Whilst the number is low, the percentage of maternal deaths has reached its highest level for 20 years in UK and the advice is to lose weight BEFORE you get pregnant.  A small amount of excess weight has little risk to health but being seriously overweight puts both mum and unborn baby in danger.

I realise most pregnant mums will be marvelling at the young person growing inside them rather than the high blood pressure, heart disease and possible blood clots being overweight can bring, but do take care.  Eat sensibly and healthily.

 Healthy mums should have healthy babies so if you are already pregnant, planning on starting (or expanding) your family, please keep an eye on your weight.  Cut down on the carbohydrates, eat more fruit and vegetables and don’t forget to exercise!

Jean Shaw writes articles and is the author of three books on Autism.  See http://www.jeanshaw.com