The number of obese women of child-bearing age is climbing. And research is mounting that shows excess weight in pregnancy has serious consequences for the long-term health of the unborn child and the mother.

The Northwestern Comprehensive Center on Obesity is tackling the growing health problem with a unique program for obese pregnant women. A team of health professionals -- a physician, dietitian, exercise physiologist and clinical psychologist --will help the women develop better nutrition for optimal weight gain, counsel them on how to increase physical activity and offer psychological counseling to develop strategies for a healthier pregnancy. Each woman will have a program tailored to her individual needs.

The new program -- Healthy for You, Healthy for 2 -- is available to women who plan to give birth at Northwestern Memorial's Prentice Women's Hospital. The obesity pregnancy program is a project of Northwestern University, Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Northwestern Medical Faculty Foundation.

northwestern.edu/newscenter/stories/2009/03/kushnerpregnacy.html