NEW YORK (AP) - Health officials say nearly half of U.S. moms gain too much weight during pregnancy.
Experts say putting on too many extra pounds during pregnancy can harm the mom, and may cause a range of problems for the child.
The study found only about a third of women gain the recommended amount of weight, and about a fifth gained too little. Overweight and obese women most commonly exceeded the guidelines.
Gaining too little weight increases the risk that the baby will be born very small. Too much weight can lead to obesity and other health problems for the mom and baby, and to dangerous complications during labor and delivery.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released the study Thursday.
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Online:
CDC report: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr
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