We all know just how important it is to care for our body both before and during pregnancy, and new research has highlighted this further.
According to experts from the University of Pittsburgh, mums-to-be who are obese when they conceive face significantly greater risk of infant mortality.
While more research needs to be done, lead author of the study, Dr Lisa Bodnar highlights that “one in three women [in the US] start pregnancy at an unhealthy weight”.
However, the associate professor at the university said the issue is not solely about having too much weight, but also the dangers of losing it during pregnancy.
"While more research needs to be conducted, we are hopeful that this study can be used to start a dialogue between physicians and women on the importance of not only gaining a healthy amount of weight while pregnant, but also reducing excess weight before they become pregnant as a potential way to improve infant survival."
The research, which will be published in the February issue of the journal Obesity, advises weight counselling before conception to help mums, as well as highlighting the need for focusing methods on reducing obesity among women.
Co-author of the study, Dr Katherine Himes said: "Obesity and infant mortality are among the most critical public health issues today. Our study highlights the importance of discussing weight loss with obese women prior to pregnancy because losing weight during pregnancy may increase the risk of her baby dying."
Dr Bodnar and her team examined more than 1.2 million live births in Pennsylvania from 2003 to 2011. Among them were 5,530 infant deaths - defined as the death of a baby before their first birthday.
"We hope this information empowers providers, including obstetricians, family doctors and primary care physicians, to discuss the benefits of preconception weight loss with all obese, reproductive-age women," Dr Bodnar said.
