Dealing with Pregnancy Weight Gain—The Right Foods, Exercise, and Stress-Relieving Tips 

You are so excited to be pregnant!  You are monitoring your weekly pregnancy calendar in anticipation of baby’s arrival!  You are also monitoring your pregnancy weight gain…gaining weight is a natural and, in fact, essential part of pregnancy.  On average, a pregnant woman will gain anywhere from 25 to 35 pounds.  Such weight gain is vital to a baby’s development.  Therefore, dieting during pregnancy can be disastrous for both mother and child.

Yet, there are some women who gain an excess amount of weight during pregnancy.  They may put on upwards of 75 pounds before the baby is due.  Such large weight gain can be quite unhealthy for the mother, and can make the delivery that much harder.

The Importance of a Healthy Diet

The critical role of a healthy diet during pregnancy cannot be overstated.  Both you and your baby need key vitamins and minerals during this time.  While it is true that you can benefit from taking prenatal vitamins, it’s also important to maintain a safe eating plan during pregnancy.   Therefore, when at all possible, eliminate junk food from your diet.  Such food is loaded with empty calories that will do nothing but pack on the pounds.   Rely on fruits to satisfy your sweet tooth, and use fresh vegetables to alleviate your hunger pangs.  Also, make sure that you have sufficient servings of lean meat, fish, and poultry.  A proper diet during pregnancy is not only beneficial to both your and your baby, it can also serve as a stretch mark treatment.

Exercise—A Critical Factor

It’s important that you exercise during pregnancy.  Not only will it help to keep you in good shape, but it could also ease your delivery.  Perhaps the best exercise a pregnant woman can do is simple walking.  You can do it anytime, anywhere, and it will keep you in fine form.  If you were an athlete prior to getting pregnant, be sure to consult with your doctor to find out which types of physical activities you can continue into your pregnancy.

Proven Stress-Relievers

It’s also important that you do what you can to reduce stress in your life.  It’s well-documented that people who feel as if they are under extreme stress may eat more in order to reduce their anxiety level.  A warm bath, some relaxing music, candlelight, and a good book are all proven stress-relievers.

Following these, and other pregnancy stress tips, can help keep your weight gain in the normal range, and help keep your stress level down, after all – you should enjoy your pregnancy!

Article by
Michelle O’Connor, Laser Treatment For Stretch Marks