Researchers: Overweight mothers-to-be raise risk of birth defects

Women considering a pregnancy should also keep an eye on their weight.

A report in the British Medical Journal says overweight mothers-to-be have a slightly higher risk of babies born with major birth defects.

The risk goes up substantially for moms who are obese. The higher the weight, the higher the rate of defects, such as in the heart, nervous system, or limbs.

The research team says it's important for women to adopt a healthy lifestyle early, and stick to it, to give the baby the best start to life.

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