SAVE MONEY ON TRAVEL DEALS

Dr. Raul Artal, chairman of the department of obstetrics, gynecology and women's health at Saint Louis University in Missouri advises overweight or obese mothers-to-be to eat a nutrient-rich diet of between 2,000-2,500 calories a day, and in some cases, to lose weight. He says overweight or obese women should not gain more than 10 pounds when pregnant.

"Recommending a single standard of weight gain for all obese classes is of concern since higher body mass index levels are associated with more severe medical conditions and have long-term adverse health implications", Artal says in a statement.

Artal writes in a commentary for Obstetrics & Gynecology, that he does not endorse recommendations made by the Institutes of Medicine in Washington -- an independent, non-profit organization that provides advice for health decision makers and the public.

"The recently published Institutes of Medicine recommendations for gestational weight gain are virtually identical to those published in 1990 with one exception -- obese women are now recommended to gain 11-20 pounds compared to the previous recommendations of at least 15 pounds", Artal says.

 BREAKING STORIES

Driver's pregnancy featured on big screen

Pregnant woman denied cancer therapy

Marijuana may link to sperm 'burn out'

Milk during pregnancy may help prevent MS

Acupuncture for pregnancy depression

Fire retardant linked to reduced fertility

Woman, age 59, seeks fertility treatment

Americans split on abortion coverage

Doctor: Obese limit pregnancy weight

'Pregnancy Pact' subjects criticize film

Panel blasts 'octuplet mom' fertility doc

Drugs during pregnancy being studied

Utah lawmaker wants fewer abortions

Mexican states opposing abortion

General: No court-martial for pregnancy

Abortion may test final health bill deal

Judge puts Okla. abortion law on hold

Judge to consider Okla. abortion law

Advocates use social networking for issues

Spain abortion bill clears hurdle