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.

Summer is officially here! After six months of notoriously finicky weather, mother nature has decided to reward us with beautiful blue skies and pleasantly mild temperatures. It has always been my favorite time of the year. I always look forward to the yearly tradition of storing away my bulky layers of winter clothing, hanging my summer dresses in my closet and best of all … shopping for bikinis!

So, now that summer is here, am I ready to wear less?

It has been a challenge, but I have worked hard to maintain a good sensible diet and I regularly to go to the gym as often as my busy schedule will allow.