Putting on excessive weight during pregnancy may increase the risk of breast cancer in later life. Epidemiological work by Dr. Hilakivi-Clarke and colleagues at Georgetown University, Washington DC (US) suggested that the ideal weight gain was 25-35 pounds (11-15.8 kilos) and that every additional 2.2 pounds increased the risk of breast cancer by 3.9%.

Sheffield Jessop Hospital for Women’s Professor of Obstetrics Bill Ledger commented, “We’ve got to get away from this myth that pregnant women need to eat for two. All pregnant women need to do is to eat a healthy diet. The baby is very good at taking all the nourishment it needs."

Dr Hilakivi-Clarke stated that it might be the combination of higher oestrogen levels and fat that did the harm. Oestrogen is amplified in fat tissue.