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A healthy diet reduces the risks of an unhealthy pregnancy
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
Scientists have found that the risk of serious pregnancy conditions such as preeclampsia, diabetes and preterm birth can be reduced even in overweight and obese women with a healthy diet.
It is known that about 40% of women in America and Europe gain excess weight during pregnancy. Doctors call pregnancy the ideal time to correct weight, since pregnant women are more motivated to change their diet in favor of the child.
Dr Shakil Tangaratina, from Queen Mary University of London, assessed the effects of diet, exercise and maternal and fetal harm on pregnancy weight gain, based on data from 7,000 women in 44 randomised controlled trials.
It turned out that measures to curb weight gain during pregnancy proved effective, and diet helped women lose an average of almost 4 kg compared to exercise, which reduced body weight by only 0.7 kg. Diet combined with exercise helped to lose only 1 kg. Diet was the most effective method for preventing pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia, diabetes, hypertension and premature birth. Although the researchers emphasize the fact that the likelihood of such an effect remains low and needs to be confirmed.
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