Occasionally women write me nasty letters about it. A woman who indulges herself during her pregnancy will not necessarily overeat. Nor will she eat only foods high in fat and sugar. She may crave those foods but she will also crave fruit and vegetables. Women who truly overeat in pregnancy are most likely denying themselves pleasure in other areas of their lives.
Women also overeat if they are anxious about the pregnancy and birth.
This is why it is essential for a woman to understand that birth is not inherently dangerous or painful. Eat what you feel like eating and trust that your body can easily digest it. Be willing to face your fears of pregnancy, birth, and motherhood, and believe you can overcome them. If I can do it, so can you.