Best Ways To Control Pregnancy Weight Gain

Best Ways To Control Pregnancy Weight Gain

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During the nine months of a healthy pregnancy, an expecting mother will gain weight. Some women are told that they are "all baby," meaning that their weight gain is only in their belly. Other women gain weight throughout the body. While nobody enjoys packing on the pounds, there are a few things to remember that will help keep weight gain within a normal range.

1. Typical pregnancy weight gain is between 25-35 pounds.

This 25-35 pound figure often echos in the ears of pregnant women. It can cause concern when a woman gains slightly less or slightly more than this amount. However, it should be noted that this is simply an average. Underweight women will gain more than this amount, and overweight women will gain less. Speaking with a midwife or a doctor about a woman's personal situation is a great way to get an accurate weight gain expectation for each individual.

2. Don't overdo it.

According to health statistics, women who are pregnant with one baby only need around 300 more calories per day than their non-pregnant counterparts. This is a sharp contrast to the phrase "eating for two" where women think that they need to double their calorie intake. Women who regularly follow strict diets may enjoy the extra wiggle room they have during pregnancy, as long as the extra calories consumed are from healthy food sources.

3. Hydrate.

Water is a common tool used in dieting, and it should also be consumed liberally by pregnant women. The urge to over eat can be curbed by drinking water to fill up the stomach with fluid. Health experts emphasize the importance of proper hydration during pregnancy for other health reasons as well. The pregnant body has an extra demand for water to sustain the mother's increased blood volume and to create enough amniotic fluid for the developing child.

4. Exercise.

Prenatal fitness has come a long way in recent years. In the past, doctors advised their pregnant patients to rest and take it easy during pregnancy. While it should still be done with caution, exercise is highly recommended for pregnant women today. Simply taking a daily walk around the neighborhood or engaging in a light swim can help burn excess calories and offer other health benefits as well.

5. Eat only when hungry.

As a general rule, many health care providers have told expecting mothers not to worry too much about their weight gain. As long as they eat only when they are hungry, and they eat fresh, nutritious foods, weight gain will not be a problem for most women. Problems arise when women view pregnancy as a time of freedom to eat unlimited amounts of sweets, processed foods, and fast foods. Not only will these habits cause women to gain too much weight, but they can also contribute to prenatal health problems such as gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia.

As strange as it may sound, there is a right way and a wrong way to gain weight during pregnancy. In order to have a healthy pregnancy, weight must be gained. However, women should use these tips to ensure that they gain the correct amount of weight and avoid health problems.

About the Author:
Cinergy Health & Life Insurance Agency is dedicated to providing quality health and life insurance plans for people in a variety of life situations. For more information on a selection of health and insurance topics, visit the Cinergy Health & Life Learning Center at http://www.cinergyhealth.com.



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