MindRivet

A common concern that pregnant women have is with respect to weight gain during pregnancy.

How much weigh gain is ideal?

Can I stay close to ‘in shape’ during pregnancy?

Would I be able to lose the weight I put on during pregnancy?

How much should I exercise during pregnancy?

You would find some of the answers as you read further on…

How much weigh gain is ideal?

On an average a woman should gain between 25-35 pounds during pregnancy. A lot of weight gain happens during the second trimester as the baby is growing rapidly during this period. Please note that all of this weight gained is not fat but accounts also for the baby, placenta, enlarged uterus and breasts.

If you want to avoid putting on excess weight you need to take care of the following and should not be mislead by some myths.

Myth 1 - You should eat a lot, eat for two people as you are carrying a baby. Well no, you should eat well and healthy and follow nutrition guidelines during pregnancy. More details available on dietary tips at Care During Pregnancy. You should not overeat, eat wrong fatty food that is poor in nutrition but high on fats.

Myth 2 - You should rest a lot during pregnancy, not do much work. I would like to correct this as - you should rest adequate during pregnancy and keep working (not over working); being independent as long as possible during your pregnancy.

In fact walks and pre natal exercises are always recommended. The more active you stay the healthier it would be for you and the baby. And of course you do not put on those unnecessary pounds.

As long as the exercises are ’safe’ as discussed with your doctor you may workout, so long as you are perfectly comfortable and not stretching/straining yourself.

Women are known to have certain cravings during pregnancy. If that is the case and you have a craving for high fat content food, try finding a healthy low fat alternative for it.

Other tips to avoid gaining weight during pregnancy is to eat low fat, high fibre whole food. Do not gorge on fat rich food just because you are pregnant. Of course the food intake and needs do grow during the second and third trimester. You can have five to six small meals instead of three to four heavy meals. This is good for proper digestion, helps fight sickness and cravings.

Drinking lots of water is good for keeping weight in control but that’s not about the only benefit of drinking water during pregnancy.

If you are a little more careful and conscious you sure can avoid gaining excess weight during pregnancy.

Useful link -

http://www.indiaparenting.com/pregnancy/data/preg09_00.shtml