Researchers say there is evidence that excess pounds and high blood sugar levels in expectant moms may over-stimulate fetal pancreatic cells which produce the hormone insulin. Insulin promotes growth, and high levels can increase birthweight and later contribute to blood sugar control problems and obesity.
Excessive weight gain during pregnancy may boost child's obesity risk
The study found children whose mothers gained more than the recommended amount of weight during pregnancy were 48 percent more likely than other children to be overweight at age 7.
