| u're pregnant, you're very likely concerned about the | | | | you can expect to gain between 3-4 pounds a month |
| amount of weight you're gaining, the effect it has on | | | | (about a pound per week). During the last three |
| your body, even how difficult it will be to take off after | | | | months, you'll gain an additional 8-10 pounds. Your |
| your pregnancy. Your OB/GYN or midwife is your | | | | doctor or midwife will weigh you regularly, and may |
| best source of advice about healthy weight gain during | | | | express concern over a deviation from this pattern. A |
| pregnancy, but there are general guidelines. | | | | sudden sharp weight gain, for instance, can indicate |
| Depending on your weight at the start of your | | | | pre-eclampsia or gestational diabetes. |
| pregnancy, your doctor may tell you that a healthy | | | | If your doctor advises you to try to limit your weight |
| weight gain for you is anywhere between 15 and 40 | | | | gain during your pregnancy, be sure to choose a |
| pounds. If you're underweight to start (a BMI of less | | | | healthy diet that provides all the necessary daily |
| than 18.5), 25 to 40 pounds is a reasonable weight gain | | | | requirements for vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. |
| during pregnancy. If you're overweight, he or she may | | | | Remember that a 'diet' during pregnancy isn't meant to |
| suggest you stick closer to 15 to 25 pounds. Of that | | | | help you LOSE weight, but rather to limit the amount of |
| weight, 6 to 8 pounds of it is the baby. The rest is | | | | weight gained. |
| amniotic fluid, extra tissue and blood to nourish the | | | | Regular exercise is also good for both you and your |
| baby (including the placenta), and the increased size of | | | | baby. You can maintain most of your daily activities, |
| your breasts and placenta. You'll lose as much as 15 | | | | and if regular workouts were a part of your daily |
| pounds of it WITH the birth (amniotic fluid, placenta and | | | | routine, then by all means keep them up. You'll feel |
| baby). | | | | better, and your body will be less likely to protest the |
| Any doctor will tell you that pregnancy is NOT the time | | | | extra weight with aches and pains. Do keep in mind |
| to go on a diet. Your body AND your baby need the | | | | that exercise during pregnancy shouldn't be overly |
| nutrients of an adequate, balanced diet to keep you | | | | strenuous, and that you should avoid activities with a |
| both healthy. This doesn't mean that you should throw | | | | risk of falling or injury. Also remember that your center |
| all your restraint to the winds and 'eat for two', though. | | | | of balance is different - it may feel awkward to do the |
| Your body needs approximately an extra 300 calories | | | | things you usually do while you're carrying your little |
| a day to build a healthy baby. Those 300 calories | | | | bundle of joy. |
| should come from the same healthy variety of foods | | | | For specifics with regard to your own situation, speak |
| that your normal diet gives you. (You were eating a | | | | with your doctor or midwife. If you're concerned about |
| healthy, balanced diet, weren't you? If not, pregnancy is | | | | gaining weight, or feel that you're gaining too much, you |
| a great time to start.) | | | | can ask for a consultation with a nutritionist to help you |
| You can expect to gain weight along a fairly | | | | design a healthy eating plan that will make sure the |
| predictable pattern. In the first three months, you'll gain | | | | baby is well-nourished, and your concerns about your |
| 2-4 pounds altogether. During the second trimester, | | | | weight are met. |