Okay first things first, let me start by clarifying a couple of common beliefs.
1/ Eating for two doesn’t mean double your meals! The fact is, you only need to increase your daily calorie intake by 250-300 calories, AND, that starts from your 2nd trimester. Yes that’s right, you don’t need to eat anything extra in your first 3mths of pregnancy. For most woman, 300 calories a day during the last 6mths of pregnancy is enough to nourish your baby.
2/ Exercise is okay, it’s good for you and your baby so don’t turn into a couch potato thinking that’s how it’s meant to be. It’s not.
Now that’s out of the way let’s move on to details.
Why Should You Watch Your Weight During Pregnancy?
Gaining too much weight during pregnancy can increase the risk of high blood pressure, Gestational diabetes and Caesarean sections. It also means you’ve put on excess weight, you know, the weight that stays on your hips and thighs and has nothing to do with baby.
In contrast, 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. Remember, if ever you’re concerned about your weight contact your doctor to seek out the best advice for you and your situation.
If I Gain Too Much Weight, Can I Diet?
Definitely not! Most doctors and midwives advise against diet. It could affect the health of you and your baby. You can control excess weight by maintaining a nutritious healthy diet and exercise… so don’t diet without discussing it with your doctor.
What about excersing while pregnant?
Exercising and keeping active is extremely beneficial for you while pregnant. Keeping your body in good shape helps you cope with the mental and physical demands of pregnancy and childbirth, and of course, it will help you in your quest to keep off that excess weight.
Think about this for a minute. If you could do something that would minimise your pain during childbirth (and believe me, it can be really painful), something that would help you recover from childbirth quicker and get you back to your pre-pregnancy weight faster… why wouldn’t you do it? Hmmm, sounds like a good idea to me.
Okay, so what do you eat during pregnancy?
A healthy diet includes grains, dairy, fruit and vegetables, protein, fats and of course, plenty of water. Junk food is okay now and then but should be limited.
Make sure you get enough, folate, zinc, iron and calcium. These are good for your babies development and looks after you and your body. These days many woman take supplements so visit your local chemist.
So there you go, maintain a healthy diet and keep active, not only will you keep off that excess weight, it will be a healthier, happier pregnancy for you and your baby.
IMPORTANT: Discuss your diet and exercise plans with your doctor to make sure it’s the best solution for you and your baby… after all, you and your baby come first.
Take care and all the best through your pregnancy.
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