Pregnancy
Week by Week

Avoid Pregnancy

Okay first things primary, let me start by clarifying a few common beliefs.

1/ Eating for two don’t mean double your meals! The fact is, you just need to increase your daily calorie intake by 250-300 calories, AND, that starts from the first 2nd trimester. Yes that’s right, you don’t need to eat anything extra in your first 3months of pregnancy. For most women, 300 calories a day during the last 6 months of pregnancy is enough to nourish your infant.

2/ Exercise is acceptable, it’s good for you and your baby so don’t end up a couch potato considering that’s how it’s designed to be. 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 improve the risk of high blood pressure, Gestational diabetes together with 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 requires for growth.

As now you can see, it’s important for that you monitor your weight all through pregnancy. The effect 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 get the best advice for you and your situation.

Just Gain Too Much Pounds, 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 pounds by maintaining a nutritious healthy diet and exercise… so don’t diet without discussing it with all your doctor.

What about exercising while pregnant?

Exercising and keeping active is extremely beneficial for you even when not pregnant. Keeping your body in good shape helps you cope while using the mental and physical demands of pregnancy and childbirth, and of course, it will help you in your quest to remain off that excess weight.

Think about this for a minute. If you could do something that would minimize ones pain during childbirth, something that would help you endure childbirth quicker and enable you to get back to your pre-pregnancy weight faster… why wouldn’t you do it? Hmm, 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 acquire enough folate, zinc, iron and calcium. These are good for your babies development and manages you and your body. These days, many woman take supplements so visit your local chemist.

So there people go, maintain a healthy diet and keep active, but not only will keep you off that excess fat, it will be a healthier, happier pregnancy for you and your baby. VITAL: Discuss your diet and exercise plans with your doctor to make sure it’s the best solution on your behalf and your baby… in fact, you and your baby comes first.

Take care and all the best through your pregnancy.