Too much weight before and during pregnancy can have serious health consequences not only for the mother, but for her child’s health for many years, new research shows.

“While it’s pretty well-known a healthy weight is crucial to a healthy and long life, new research is showing that if a woman is overweight while pregnant, her baby is more likely to be overweight,” said Alan R. Fleischman, M.D., March of Dimes medical director. These health risks continue into childhood, with a higher risk of developing insulin resistance, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, all of which can lead to heart disease and diabetes.

Slimming down has long been one of women’s greatest feats yet to be achieved and conquered. Compared to men, women find it harder to burn and lose all the unwanted fat and extra pounds just to fit in the perfect dress they’ve been dying to wear.

However, women nowadays don’t have the time to devote themselves completely to various rigorous and tedious dieting programs. What they need are easy-to-follow steps, which slowly but surely helps them lose a few pounds and achieve their desired size and weight. Here are 6 simple slimming down tips for women: