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Unless you’re blessed with the genes of a supermodel and the metabolism of a 12-year-old, keeping up with our culture’s definition of beauty and success in terms of waistlines can be something of a struggle. Now that you’re pregnant, you’ve got an excuse to kick your diet to the curb and revel in the ampleness of your body – right? Not so fast. While it’s true you shouldn’t restrict your diet during pregnancy, carrying a baby is no excuse to overindulge. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends a weight gain of 25 to 37 pounds for most women. If you were underweight before pregnancy, bump the pounds up to 40. Conversely, overweight women should put on 25 pounds or less. When you consider that a full-term infant and all of the excess fluid and blood required to support your pregnancy weighs in at about 30 pounds, there are precious few pounds left to account for Snicker bar splurges. Yes, it’s true, you’re eating for two, but that’s more reason than ever to watch what you put into your mouth. Experts recommend a healthy, well-rounded diet including three servings of dairy products, three servings of protein, three servings of fruits, four servings of vegetables and nine servings of whole grain products a day. If you’re suffering from morning sickness, try to eat small, easy-to-digest meals every two or three hours. In fact, that’s a good rule of thumb for all pregnant women since eating smaller meals throughout the day helps regulate blood sugar and maintain energy levels. Expect to gain three to five pounds during the first trimester, then one to two pounds a week for the remaining months of your pregnancy. While it’s not smart to overindulge on junk food, resist the temptation to obsess about your weight. Try not to compare your burgeoning belly with moms sporting barely-there baby bumps. Each woman, and each pregnancy, is unique. Eat right, stay active and let your doctor know if you have concerns about putting on pounds. Gone are the days when Ob/Gyns were super strict about weight gain. More important than a number on a scale is that you’re supplying your body with the nutrients it needs to keep you and your baby healthy over the long haul. |
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