How to Deal With Weight Gain

Much of the weight gained in pregnancy is fluids that will be lost within six weeks of giving birth.

Pregnancy is an intense and paradoxical time in a woman's life. While she is full of love and pride for her new baby, she must also cope with dramatic changes happening to her body. With image such an important part of our social culture, a woman's weight gain can cause her shame, anxiety and depression. Depending on how much her beginning weight was determines how much she will gain. The most important part of coping with pregnancy weight gain is knowing that the pounds can come off with the right plan and execution.

Things You'll Need

• Healthy diet including fruits, vegetables, complex carbs, fat free yogurt and lean protein.
• Daily exercise

Instructions

1. Realize that it is normal and okay to gain weight during pregnancy. Understand that without her body's extra vitamins and fluids the baby would not have the necessary nutrients it needs to survive. Accept that what has happened to your body is natural and part of the beautiful process of bringing life into the world.

2. Eat a healthy diet. Realize that eating for two is not the same as eating twice as much. A pregnant woman only needs 300 extra calories a day to sustain healthy sufficient energy. Eat clean foods like fruits, vegetables, complex carbohydrates, low fat yogurt and lean proteins. Avoid all fast food, processed food and trans-fats.

3. Exercise daily. Light daily exercise keeps your body strong, vibrant and helps keep your metabolism high. Yoga, stretching, walking and swimming are wonderful low impact exercises that help keep you fit during and after pregnancy. Exercise releases chemicals in your brain that naturally lift your spirits and make you happy. It is an essential part of maintaining a positive state of mind necessary for your health and your baby's health.

References

• Baby Center: Pregnancy Weight Gain: What to Expect
• Mayo Clinic: Pregnancy Week by Week