A healthy pregnancy

When it comes to appropriate weight gain during pregnancy, the new guidelines emphasize eating only an additional 100 - 200 calories daily, if even that, to support the growing baby. If you are overweight or obese, then you will want to discuss if just minimal weight gain is the goal. A pregnant woman should never diet, but it may be in the best interests of the baby and your own health to really watch your daily total calories quite closely, if you are already carrying additional weight.

Equally important is getting enough rest, taking prenatal vitamins and getting daily exercise. With your doctors permission you can continue your current exercise regimen or start a walking program (if exercise is new). Just make sure you find out your maximal pulse rate goal(refer to my earlier blog about taking your pulse), since a pulse rate that is too elevated may pose a problem to the growing baby. Remember this is really not a time to let loose and gain lots of weight in the name of nutritionally supporting the baby or just having a good time. Losing that excess weight after the birth of your child can be very challenging. Gaining too much weight during pregnancy can also put your baby at risk for a number of health issues and it can raise your own risk of gestational diabetes.