RT Journal
T1 MEdical news
JF JAMA
JO JAMA
YR 1969
FD January 27
VO 207
IS 4
SP 661
OP 676
DO 10.1001/jama.1969.03150170007003
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jama.1969.03150170007003
AB Higher Pregnancy Weight Gain Urged 
    A current obstetrical dictum that pregnant women should limit weight gain to 15 pounds or less is doubtful on mathematical and nutritional grounds, a California clinician believes."I advise patients that they can gain in the area of 24 pounds," comments Howard N. Jacobson, MD, associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of California, San Francisco."Weight gains in the region of 24 to 30 pounds can be tolerated safely, provided the gain is the product of a sound diet."The rationale for this advice is threefold, Dr. Jacobson told a recent seminar.There is growing evidence, from several studies, that perinatal mortality is lower if mothers have gained 24 to 30 pounds.A woman who is trying to keep weight gain to lower levels may be reducing her own lean body mass at a time when fetal nutrition should be paramount.