Although previous studies have indicated that women who were obese prior to pregnancy may have children that were particularly vulnerable to intellectual and behavioral problems, new research is suggesting that might not be the case.

A new study published in the journal Pediatrics revealed that women who are overweight before they have children may not have kids who are at a higher risk of behavioral problems or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

The study's authors studied more than 7,500 Dutch and UK children and found there was no correlation between how much their mothers weighed before they became pregnant and whether or not the child had ADHD.

As a result of these findings, the study's authors concluded that a mother's weight does not affect the cognitive development of her child. However, the authors were quick to point out that there are still a number of reasons mothers may want to consider adopting healthier eating and lifestyle habits before committing to having a child. One of these concerns is gestational diabetes, which could put the baby's life in danger during pregnancy.