After completing this continuing education course, nutrition professionals should be better able to:

1. Discuss infant and maternal health outcomes for all BMI classes.
2. State three health benefits of a healthy eating pattern during pregnancy beyond weight management.
3. Explain the importance of maintaining a healthy BMI during conception, pregnancy, and the postpartum period.
4. Determine appropriate weight gain per BMI class as defined by the Institute of Medicine.
5. Counsel pregnant women about a healthy eating pattern to promote appropriate gestational weight gain throughout pregnancy.