Weight gain during pregnancy is inevitable. After all, a mother is carrying another human being in her womb; thus, her weight will definitely increase. Nevertheless, it does not mean that you will simply allow your weight to skyrocket. It is not about how much weight you have gained, but how you have effectively controlled your weight to make pregnancy safe and healthy for you and your baby. Follow these guidelines below in controlling pregnancy weight gain.
Know How Much Weight You Must Gain
BMI stands for body mass index. Prior to pregnancy or even the first weeks of conception, this value should be known so you will know if you are normal, underweight or overweight. Various factors influence the amount of weight you need to gain while pregnant; such as BMI, your pre-pregnancy weight and your/your baby’s health. It is a must that you work with your health care provider to know what is appropriate for you.
For example, you are pregnant with one child; your BMI is lower than 18.5, you need to gain 13-18 kilograms of weight. If your BMI is 18.5-24.9, you must gain 11-16 kilograms more. The recommended weight gain differs when you are carrying a twin, triplet, etc.
Be Conscious Of What You Eat
A lot of women wrongly believe that pregnancy is about giving in to their cravings, even though the foods they desire are unhealthy. Always remember that what you eat is also what the child inside your womb also eats. Eat unhealthy foods like potato chips and ice cream; and you will be supplying your child with inadequate nutrients. Furthermore, the extra calories in these foods will also make pregnancy weight more uncontrollable. You must eat healthy foods and avoid calorie and fat laden foods. Your meals should comprise of lean meats, whole grains, fresh vegetables and fruits.
Practice Healthy Eating Habits
Count the calories you consume. Although you essentially need to increase your calories and proteins intake, this should not be an excuse for you to eat as much as you can. The additional 25 grams protein and 350 calories can be obtained by drinking additional two glasses of milk. Try to resist the unhealthy urges; although you may still occasionally indulge. Cravings are what you need to keep in check so you will not binge on them. Make it a habit to drink water of freshly extracted fruit juices. Coffee and soft drinks should be avoided. Eat smaller meals, instead of larger servings to prevent hunger, breathlessness and heartburn.
Keep Moving
Even while you are pregnant, you still need to exercise and get going. Consult with your health care provider or fitness trainer about the appropriate exercises or physical activities you can perform. Simple walking is a good cardiovascular exercise for you. It helps keep you fit without irritating your ankles and knees. You can walk anywhere and you will need no special equipment to do it. You may also go swimming or dancing. Low-intense aerobic activities are also good for you as they help strengthen the heart and tone the body.
Fit Yummy Mummy can teach new moms how they can lose pregnancy weight. Pregnancy Without Pounds is a related guide on how you could remain healthy and sexy even while pregnant.
