International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

Putting on weight during pregnancy can result in an increased risk of heart disease for the child, researchers have found.

According to a study conducted by the Medical Research Council's centre at Bristol University, women who put on the most weight during gestation had children with less healthy hearts at the age of nine, reports the Daily Mail.

The children of women who gained weight tended to be heavier, had larger waists and more body fat. As well as this, they had lower levels of good cholesterol in their blood.

Findings from the research suggest that women should not adopt the 'eating for two' attitude during their pregnancy.

Dr Abigail Fraser, co-author of the study, told the news provider: " We know from previous findings that obese women face more complications in pregnancy and giving birth.

''Now it's clear that those who put on the most weight during the nine months risk their children having less good health outcomes several years later."

Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of deaths in both sexes in the UK.

Posted by Martine Ward