7 Smart Tips to Avoid Extreme Weight Gain during Pregnancy

If you think that you can enter pregnancy and come out looking your same lean self, then you are under a huge illusion. Because this sadly does not happen. In fact, it is impossible and also unhealthy. What is possible though and encouraged by doctors these days is gaining ‘enough weight’ that provides the right nourishment to you and the baby.

The pounds you put on during the pregnancy period aren’t just there to aggravate you, they show that your baby is getting the necessary nutrition for its growth. But the old belief ‘eating for two’ is wrong, and you need to avoid this.

Keep in mind that if you end up gaining too much weight, you run the risk of acquiring gestational diabetes, might have difficulty with normal vaginal delivery and would face severe problems in getting rid of weight you gained during pregnancy.

Hence it is crucial that you only put on the pounds that help your baby grow and flourish. The more your child takes the weight, the better for you. Here are tips and tricks on how you can avoid excessive weight gain during pregnancy.

1. Never Forget the Calorie Count

Yes, you will be hungry when you are pregnant, and you do need the extra food, but it by no means is the license to eat junk or processed food items. On the contrary, you need to load up on foods that are healthy and contain high nutritional values. So have a look at what you eat daily.

If previously you used to dine out too often, then start cooking to home. Instead of grabbing a sandwich at work, incorporate salads and soups in your routine. Cut out pizzas, burgers and other junk foods from your life as much as possible.

2. Exercise All the Way

If you are an active person who works out daily, then, by all means, continue to do so once you are pregnant. If not, then now is the time to start. Exercising will not only keep the extra fats at bay, but it will also ensure that you have a smooth and quick delivery.

Some of the things that you can do are practice prenatal yoga, swim, cycle, walk or jog and do crunches, sit-ups, and pelvic kegels. Be sure to ask your doctor about the safety of doing cardio, because you may not know whether your pregnancy is healthy or high-risk.

3. Trick the Craving

Welcome to the world of gestation. Cravings are going to become an everyday thing for you. So you need to be prepared to not fight them, but trick them in a way that helps you attain satisfaction.

For example, if you feel the urge to eat a huge slice of pizza, create one at home with tomatoes, mozzarella, basil and whole wheat bread base. You can also satisfy the sweet tooth with homemade ice creams and fresh fruit and yogurt desserts. Instead of going for that bag of ships, bake some kale chips. They will taste just as delicious with hummus and will be perfectly healthy for you.

4. Drink Up

Water is the creator of life, so pregnancy demands that you up your drinking game. But this means water only, no fizzy drinks, no alcoholic beverages and lesser amounts of caffeine.

If you used to consume 10 glasses of water a day, add 5 more. If drinking plain water becomes difficult for you, make it exciting by adding fresh fruits, veggies, and herbs. This will not only hydrate your body but also increase your vitamin and mineral intake. The best part, more water means fewer pounds gained!

5. Change Your Lying Position

Most medical health practitioners suggest that you stop lying on your back once the belly starts protruding. What this does is allow your skin to stretch and loosen its elasticity. Instead lie sideways. Do not make the mistake of lying on your stomach as it can harm the baby and give you severe acid reflux. Just use a pillow to leverage your growing abdomen and sleep on your side. You will feel much more comfortable.

6. Keeping in Check What You Wear

This is rather important. Yes, you will feel more comfortable in oversized clothing and absolutely no underwear, but this is the worst thing that you can do? Why? Because it allows fats to grow in unwanted places. Wearing clothes and undergarments that fit ensure that your skin remains adequately stretched and no fat accumulates over the waist, hip, thighs or back regions.

One more thing that you can do is wear pregnancy belts and leg/thigh shapers. These too help in retaining your body shape.

7. Breastfeed

Once you have given birth, breastfeeding is the best way to get rid of all the pregnancy weight. Opt for it, and you will see the results within a few weeks.