While pregnancy is certainly not the ideal time to begin a new weight loss regimen, there are ways to healthily monitor your weight while pregnant. Some women may become pregnant while in the process of losing weight and it’s perfectly understandable to want to maintain the loss. Similarly, women who are already at their ideal shape may be afraid of gaining too much weight while pregnant and not being able to slim back down after their baby is born.
Still, it is almost always recommended to gain weight while pregnant. Here’s what you need to know about maintaining a healthy weight during pregnancy:
Pregnancy Diet & Nutrition
Restricting food intake while you are pregnant can be harmful to both mother and baby. A woman at normal-weight is actually supposed to eat about 300 extra calories a day while pregnant. Dieting during pregnancy could deprive your baby of the calories, vitamins and minerals he or she needs during development. Remember, dieting and eating healthier are not synonymous. It is possible to eat healthier without restricting calories.
Recommended Pregnancy Weight Gain Levels
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, gaining weight while pregnant is healthy. Some women may naturally lose weight during the first trimester due to morning sickness. This is generally not something to worry about though, because your baby needs nutrients the most during the second and third trimesters. The amount of weight you should gain depends on your body type. See how much weight is healthy for you to gain:
– Obese women should gain between 11 and 20 pounds.
– Overweight women should gain between 15 and 25 pounds.
– Normal-weight women should gain between 25 and 35 pounds.
– Underweight women should gain between 28 and 40 pounds.
How To Maintain a Healthy Weight During Pregnancy
Eat right: To avoid excessive weight gain, it’s important that you are getting the most out of the food you eat. Avoid empty calories and unhealthy foods with added sugars and solid fats. These foods could cause you to gain unnecessary weight and will not provide any nutrients for your baby. Instead, focus on foods that are rich in protein, fiber, healthy fats and carbohydrates. Eating frequent small meals will help you avoid heartburn, indigestion, nausea and other food-related symptoms of pregnancy.
Do light, low-impact exercises: Getting about 2.5 hours of moderate aerobic activity per week will help you maintain a healthy weight while pregnant. Low impact exercises include activities like swimming, walking, biking and dancing. Avoid activities that put you at risk of falling or injury. Getting regular, light exercise while you’re pregnant will make it easier to lose weight afterward. It could also help to relieve aches and pains, regulate your emotional health and lower the risk of complications with your pregnancy.
Outstanding Care For Mother and Baby at OBGYN Women’s Centre
At OB-GYN Women’s Centre of Lakewood Ranch, nothing is more important to us than making sure you and your baby are healthy throughout pregnancy and delivery. When you have a little one on the way, proper prenatal care is essential. Call today to schedule an appointment with one of our physicians who will be with you every step of the way!
