Mercy's Dr. Jennifer Taylor, OB/GYN, Discusses Weight Gain and Pregnancy

Any woman who has been pregnant knows how challenging it can be to keep her weight in check, but for women who are overweight or obese before conception, it is critical to a healthy pregnancy.

Tyreece Garrison is a lot more choosy about what she eats these days. She’s expecting her seventh child and knows just how hard it is to keep her weight in check when she’s pregnant, but she’s trying.

"I’ll try to watch what I’m eating. It’s hard, but I’ll try to do it, and exercise as much as I can," Garrison said.

According to Dr. Jennifer Taylor, OB/GYN, of The Family Childbirth & Children’s Center, Mercy Medical Center, it’s important to control your weight before becoming pregnant.

A new report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that more than 50 percent of American women are either overweight or obese when they conceive, and that can cause serious problems with the pregnancy.

"They have a higher rate of diabetes, gestational diabetes, a higher risk of hypertension, pre-eclampsia, a higher risk of C-section," Dr. Taylor said.

How much weight is OK to gain if you are already overweight? Very little, if any.

"Typically between zero and 15 pounds if you’re in the obese category," Dr. Taylor explained. "Some people actually end up losing weight by eating healthier and doing a little bit more exercise during pregnancy."

Garrison said she knows how important it is to control her weight. She battled diabetes the last time when she was pregnant with her son. She is doing better at controlling it this time around, and said she is feeling great.

"I’m having a girl, so I’m excited," Garrison said.

Her baby girl is due to arrive on March 19, 2017.

To view Mercy OB/GYN Dr. Jennifer Taylor’s interview regarding weight gain and pregnancy, click here.