Preventing Pregnancy Weight Gain – 5 Tips to Take Note Of

Preventing pregnancy weight gain should be taken note of especially that a pregnant woman normally gains weight. The growing fetus, placenta, breast tissue and fats are increasing in weight and so as the mother’s. An average of 25 to 35 pounds is added to the pre-pregnancy weight. Underweight mothers are advised to gain as much as 40 pounds while overweight mothers must gain 15 pounds in maximum.

Women who get really conscious about their weight gain during pregnancy often look for alternatives on how to lose weight. But bear in mind that, losing weight is harmful for the mother as well as for the baby growing inside your womb.  So it is best to engage in weight loss programs after you’ve given birth.

Preventing Pregnancy Weight Gain Tip # 1 – Don’t Eat for Two When You’re Pregnant

Since a woman cannot control the normal weight gain during pregnancy, she can only maintain that weight and then learn to burn the added fats after delivering the baby. If you don’t want to add more weight than usual, scratch off the idea that you have to eat for two when you are pregnant. Eating for two doesn’t mean you have doubled the calories you had before getting pregnant.

Pregnancy weight Gain

Fact is your nutritionist and your ob-gyn would advice to add only 300 calories when you are pregnant and 500 calories when you are breastfeeding. This means that if you have to consume 1700 calories during your pre-pregnant state, now you should be consuming only 2000 calories that’s enough energy for you and your baby.

Preventing Pregnancy Weight Gain Tip # 2 – Eat Healthy

Eating a healthy diet also prevents you from gaining more weight. Eat foods rich in vitamins, calcium, folic acid, iron and other essential minerals. These are good for your baby’s brain and bone development. Iron also prepares you for the bloody delivery because it increases the oxygen carrying capacity of your blood.

Avoid junk foods that are rich in sodium and fat. Salt retains water thereby adding more weight and causes edema. Avoid foods rich in transfat and learn to stay away from fries and burgers. It is also important to hydrate yourself. Drink 8 to 12 glasses of water a day. Avoid sodas and flavored drinks, it adds a bulk of calories without the nutrients you need.

Preventing Pregnancy Weight Gain Tip # 3 – Prepare Your Own Food

You can also try preparing your own food. Experiment on baking, broiling or grilling foods. Avoid frying which adds more fat to your diet. Use olive oils or lower fat substitutes. Increase the amount of mayonnaise or gravy in your salads.

Preventing Pregnancy Weight Gain Tip # 4 – Do Some Pregnancy Exercises

If not contraindicated, pregnancy exercises are also advised. There are exercises to strengthen your trunk, improve posture and strengthen pelvic muscles which you can do without harming yourself or causing injury to your baby. These are taught in most pregnancy classes.

Appropriate exercises are also provided depending on what trimester you are already in. For example, on the first trimester walking and swimming are advised. On the third or last trimester, exercises that allow a woman to lie down are avoided because the supine position decreases oxygen flow to the fetus and may cause harm. Vigorous cardio exercises are also avoided during this time. Remember, before planning an exercise program to consult your doctor to ensure that you are in a state of health and avoid risking your baby’s health.

Preventing Pregnancy Weight Gain Tip # 5 – Use a Supplement After Giving Birth

You may consult your doctor about getting a product for weight loss for women. There are safe alternatives out in the market today which you can consider using during these stages. One product to take note of is Zotrim. Zotrim is safe and natural but you have to take all the necessary precautions before you consider taking one. It is also best to consult with your health care provider first before taking this product.

Pregnancy is a wonderful event in every woman’s life and preventing pregnancy weight gain should be considered. By following the tips listed above, it may help maintain a desired weight during pregnancy. What is a weight gain if in the end you’ll give birth to beautiful healthy baby? And who cares about weight loss if you give birth to a sickly neonate?

Weigh the odds. It’s always easier to plan an exercise program later than to spend days or even weeks in a hospital. If you can’t prevent pregnancy weight gain, don’t worry as you have other options to lose weight after you’ve given birth to your baby.