Mother-to-be Sam (Sam Lawry) has had enough of being asked to "eat for two".
The Canberra midwife was 22 weeks pregnant, her first child, but she was well aware of the risk of overweight before delivery.
But a new study from the University of Canberra has dispelled the widespread perception that pregnancy leads to long-term weight gain in women.
The findings contradict previous years of research and even surprise lead author Professor Davis (Deborah Davis).
"it shocked us because our own experience as a woman seems to be. She gave birth to two children and gained 10 kilograms. " "We blame babies for basin floor problems, but weight gain doesn`t seem to blame babies," Professor Davis said.
The 16-year sample of more than 8000 Australian women found that two of the highest risk factors for women`s weight gain, regardless of their income, were depression and lack of paid work.
Women who had five or more children were significantly heavier, but when factors such as education and socio-economic conditions were taken into account, Professor Davis said the difference was not statistically significant.
Although all the women in the study lost a few kilograms over time, college education and high levels of exercise were powerful protective factors against long-term weight gain.
The link between obesity and depression is also clear, but Professor Davis said it was still uncertain whether depression was responsible for weight gain or weight gain.
"Women and health care providers should be made aware of the risks," she said.
Sam said she was "relieved" by a recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Obesity, but found it difficult sometimes to discuss weight with her patients.
"it`s a very sensitive topic," she said. "Women are under pressure to return to their pre-pregnancy levels." She said.
A February study found that Australia`s obesity crisis is hitting maternity wards, with high rates of severe pregnancy complications and injuries associated with overweight in women.
Professor Davis says she hopes women will be reassured by her latest research.
"procreation is a very healthy thing, it does not necessarily affect your weight." She said.
Professor Davis, recently appointed chairman of the standing Committee on International Midwifery Research, is developing an app to help women track their weight and nutrition during pregnancy.
Professor Davis said: "A woman can have a healthy baby by eating only one more banana [or two] a day. It`s amazing that our bodies need an extra 300 calories to get the baby done. "
