Weight Gain
Pregnancy might be the only time during which it is culturally acceptable for women to gain weight. After a lifetime of thinking of any weight gain as negative, it can be a big readjustment to acknowledge weight gain as good and necessary. Experts say that, in general, you neither want to gain too little nor too much. Also, it is more important to pay attention to the quality of what you are eating, than how much weight you are putting on. Moderate, regular exercise and a carefully thought out nutritional plan can help you feel in control of your body and ensure that you gain the right amount of weight at a good pace.
Doctors say appropriate weight gain varies somewhat depending on individual circumstances and that, in general, thinner women will need to gain more weight. Much of the weight you put on when pregnant consists of baby, placenta, extra blood and fluids, all of which you will lose soon after giving birth. However women also need to gain a couple of pounds to store up for the nutritionally demanding process of breastfeeding and caring for a newborn baby. All experts agree that dieting, or restricting your food intake while pregnant is dangerous and can harm both you and your baby.
RELATED LINKS:
