[GovernmentShrinker]

Gaining weight during pregnancy, beyond the normal amount, especially if it isn't all lost afterwards, also increases breast cancer risk substantially.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2002/04/020410075734.htm

[PennsylvaniaMom]

Thanks for the link. Yes excessive weight gain during pregnancy causes complications. If a woman starts at 120, has three children and keeps 5 to 7 pounds on after each pregnancy, she could go to the low 140s (or lower). However, if she has three pregnancies, gains 40 lbs. or more, and then keeps 20 lbs after each delivery, she would then add over 60 lbs to her weight (now closing in on 180) and would no doubt be hypertensive, be insulin resistant, etc.

I understand what you are saying, but I place the studies that place a 20 lb gain (over a ten year period) in the same category as a 20 gain in ten weeks. Remember the BMI scales that state, if taken seriously, both President Bush and Michael Jordan are 'obese.'