Are You Worried About Weight Gain During Pregnancy?
How Much Weight Should I Gain? Weight gain during pregnancy is different for everyone.
The only common factor is EVERY woman gains weight, you can't hide from it, it's necessary.
Generally you're expected to gain between 25-35 pounds throughout your pregnancy, this is typical for woman who are a normal weight before pregnancy.
As a guideline, the bigger you are before your pregnancy the less weight you'll gain.
But remember, this is only a guideline, everyone's experience is different.
Gaining too much weight during pregnancy could increase the risk of high blood pressure, Gestational diabetes and Caesarean sections.
It could also mean you're carrying a lot of excess weight, and none of us want that! Losing too much weight during pregnancy could increase the risk of having a preterm birth and may mean your baby is not getting all the nutrients it needs for growth.
As you can see, it's important for you to monitor your weight during pregnancy.
The affect of too much or too little weight can have negative consequences for both you and your baby.
If you're ever concerned about your weight, make sure you contact your doctor or midwife so they can give you the best advice for you and your situation.
Can I Diet If I'm Gaining Too Much Weight? Absolutely not! Most doctors these days recommend you don't diet.
This could affect the health of you and your baby.
The best thing you can do to control your weight is maintain a well balanced healthy diet and exercise.
So I Can Exercise During Pregnancy? Yes! Gone are the days when doctors recommend you relax, put your feet up, don't stretch, don't lift and so on and so on.
Most will make a point of asking you to exercise or keep fit during your pregnancy.
Obviously it won't be a full-on exercise program but certainly being active during your pregnancy is a plus.
Exercising has many benefits and will help you mentally and physically cope with your pregnancy and childbirth.
It helps increase your energy which is needed during and after the birth of your baby.
It strengthens your back muscles which will help you deal with the back pain from carrying around the extra weight, and more importantly, during labour when it really gets tough.
It also helps toward faster recuperation after childbirth and even helps you get back to your pre-pregnancy weight a lot faster and easier.
That in itself is a worthwhile reason to exercise.
What Should I Eat During Pregnancy? Eating a well-balanced healthy diet is important during your pregnancy but don't be fooled by the myth that you need to eat for two.
It's simply not true! You only need to increase your calorie intake by 200-300 calories a day to allow for your baby.
The basis of a well-balanced diet is a balance of grains, fruits and vegetables, protein, dairy, fats and of course, plenty of water.
The odd junk food is okay but don't make a habit of it and make sure you only eat when you're hungry.
Pregnancy doesn't give you a free ticket to eat what you want.
During pregnancy your body needs extra vitamins, minerals and nutrients to help your baby develop.
The best way of getting these is through your diet.
Pregnant woman need to make sure they get enough Folate, Iron, Zinc and Calcium.
These days many woman take vitamin-mineral supplements so check out your local chemist or health shop.
Final words, a healthy balanced diet and exercise goes a long way in helping you and your baby stay healthy during and after your pregnancy.
Pregnancy can be a demanding time for woman, in particular, it can be very taxing on your body.
A nutritious diet and regular exercise will assist your body recover and get back to your desired weight much faster and easier than if you don't eat and exercise properly.
The only common factor is EVERY woman gains weight, you can't hide from it, it's necessary.
Generally you're expected to gain between 25-35 pounds throughout your pregnancy, this is typical for woman who are a normal weight before pregnancy.
As a guideline, the bigger you are before your pregnancy the less weight you'll gain.
But remember, this is only a guideline, everyone's experience is different.
Gaining too much weight during pregnancy could increase the risk of high blood pressure, Gestational diabetes and Caesarean sections.
It could also mean you're carrying a lot of excess weight, and none of us want that! Losing too much weight during pregnancy could increase the risk of having a preterm birth and may mean your baby is not getting all the nutrients it needs for growth.
As you can see, it's important for you to monitor your weight during pregnancy.
The affect of too much or too little weight can have negative consequences for both you and your baby.
If you're ever concerned about your weight, make sure you contact your doctor or midwife so they can give you the best advice for you and your situation.
Can I Diet If I'm Gaining Too Much Weight? Absolutely not! Most doctors these days recommend you don't diet.
This could affect the health of you and your baby.
The best thing you can do to control your weight is maintain a well balanced healthy diet and exercise.
So I Can Exercise During Pregnancy? Yes! Gone are the days when doctors recommend you relax, put your feet up, don't stretch, don't lift and so on and so on.
Most will make a point of asking you to exercise or keep fit during your pregnancy.
Obviously it won't be a full-on exercise program but certainly being active during your pregnancy is a plus.
Exercising has many benefits and will help you mentally and physically cope with your pregnancy and childbirth.
It helps increase your energy which is needed during and after the birth of your baby.
It strengthens your back muscles which will help you deal with the back pain from carrying around the extra weight, and more importantly, during labour when it really gets tough.
It also helps toward faster recuperation after childbirth and even helps you get back to your pre-pregnancy weight a lot faster and easier.
That in itself is a worthwhile reason to exercise.
What Should I Eat During Pregnancy? Eating a well-balanced healthy diet is important during your pregnancy but don't be fooled by the myth that you need to eat for two.
It's simply not true! You only need to increase your calorie intake by 200-300 calories a day to allow for your baby.
The basis of a well-balanced diet is a balance of grains, fruits and vegetables, protein, dairy, fats and of course, plenty of water.
The odd junk food is okay but don't make a habit of it and make sure you only eat when you're hungry.
Pregnancy doesn't give you a free ticket to eat what you want.
During pregnancy your body needs extra vitamins, minerals and nutrients to help your baby develop.
The best way of getting these is through your diet.
Pregnant woman need to make sure they get enough Folate, Iron, Zinc and Calcium.
These days many woman take vitamin-mineral supplements so check out your local chemist or health shop.
Final words, a healthy balanced diet and exercise goes a long way in helping you and your baby stay healthy during and after your pregnancy.
Pregnancy can be a demanding time for woman, in particular, it can be very taxing on your body.
A nutritious diet and regular exercise will assist your body recover and get back to your desired weight much faster and easier than if you don't eat and exercise properly.
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