title: The effect of maternal obesity on the offspring.
abstract: Maternal obesity is inextricably linked to adverse health outcomes for the mother and her children. The peripartum period is a critical period of risk. In this chapter, we examine the importance of maternal prepregnancy weight status, gestational weight gain, breastfeeding, and postpartum weight loss in relation to subsequent risk for maternal obesity and obesity in the offspring. Promoting optimal maternal weight during the preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum periods will provide lifelong benefits for maternal health and the health of her progeny.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California.
authors.forename: Christine B
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: Kusaynyonon C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Mackenzie
authors.forename: Sheila
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gahagan
mesh_terms: D001724:Birth Weight; D001942:Breast Feeding; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009765:Obesity / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D012307:Risk Factors; D015430:Weight Gain; D015431:Weight Loss