How To Have A Healthy Pregnancy Without Gaining A Lot Of Weight

Pregnancy can be an exciting and worrying experience. Particularly if you are carrying your first child, you will be concerned about the health of your baby, and of course your own well-being as a secondary factor. On top of that, you're dealing with all sorts of hormones and emotions, which can make pregnancy difficult for the best of us. It's a simple fact that most women gain weight after their pregnancy from improper eating and a lack of exercise. This doesn't have to be the case, and there are ways in which you can survive pregnancy without gaining too much weight.

The first thing to consider during pregnancy is exercise. Of course, a couple of hours at the gym isn't going to do the trick if you're eight months gone, but by remaining active and independent for as long as is possible, you can help keep your body in shape, and prepare it for the physical ordeal to come. Additionally, this will help you keep relatively fit, and stop you from piling on too many pounds waiting on baby to arrive.

Pregnant women often report certain cravings, some of which can be very obscure. If you experience cravings for fatty or sugary foods, try to opt for low calorie alternatives in mitigation. Although it may not be what you are looking for, it is the best way to keep your body healthy and satisfy your urges.

Another essential thing to consider during pregnancy to avoid excessive weight gain is a healthy and balanced diet. Just because you're pregnant shouldn’t give you the idea that junk food is ok. You still need to eat sensibly to avoid putting on extra weight. On top of that, maintaining a healthy diet will also improve your overall health, which will obviously have a positive effect on your baby. Furthermore by boosting your fruit and vegetable consumption, you'll be consuming vital vitamins and minerals for the health of your baby.

Pregnancy is undoubtedly a difficult time, and looking after your body might not be your first and main concern. However, by living a standard healthy balanced life, you should find you'll be able to keep in shape, and avoid putting on excess weight. Furthermore, this should help you recover from the pregnancy, so you'll be back up on your feet in no time, to continue your healthy, happy lifestyle.

About The Author
Gray Rollins writes for http://www.onyourpregnancy.com. If you'd like to learn more about not gaining a lot of weight during pregnancy visit http://www.onyourpregnancy.com/pwp/ and to learn how to get back in shape after pregnancy visit http://www.onyourpregnancy.com/slimmom/

Health and Fitness in Pregnancy

Health and Fitness in Pregnancy and Delivering a Healthy Baby

Pregnancy is when women are most beautiful, when there's another life being nurtured inside the mother's womb. This act of creating life, though, is not without its complications, and expectant soon-to-be mothers should do their best to keep their health in optimal condition, for their sake as well as the unborn child's. Even the common cold can affect the pregancy. So what are the steps to take during pregnancy? Here are a few tips and suggestions.

The first step in pregnancy is to visit a doctor and have yourself examined for any possible complication, get your pap smear, blood test, the works; also make sure that you get as much information as possible to help make sure your pregnancy is being handled properly. Of course, it is best to take great care in choosing a physician, a midwife, a hostpital, and all the necessary staff in the pregnancy. Make sure that they are just as concerned for the baby as you are

Pregnancy makes it all the more important to maintain a healthy diet especially since there's another life at stake. The intake of folic acid (necessary for embryo development and cell growth) should begin as soon as possible. Another important supplement that might be needed is iron, for healthy blood, and for the development of the bones and teeth of the baby. Do not overdose on the seafood intake as fish tend to have high levels of mercury. The recommended weight gain during pregnancy is around 25 to 30 pounds -- on healthy food, of course.

As metabolism increases during pregnancy there is larger loss of water, which should be compensated by drinking more water than usual.

Exercise is an important part of a healthy pregnancy, though, of course, pregnant women shouldn't exert extreme amounts of effort. It is best for expectant mothers without complications to work out at moderate intensity for 30 minutes a day. It is important, though, to first consult with your physician before working out.

While it's important to keep physical health at an optimum, emotional health should also be taken into consideration. Disorders such as depression can lead to loss of appetite and weight, sluggishness, irregular sleeping habits and disturbances in motor activity, as well as an intensified presence of feelings of worthlessness, incapability, or guilt. Pregnant women are more susceptible to this, and they will need an extraordinary amount of support from peers and family. Counseling and meditation have also proven to be successful in treating this disorder. But as an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure, and prevention may just save your pregnancy. Introspection may help; examining your capabilities as a mother, past relationships, etc. Don't forget to take your needs seriously. Work with your partner and don't be shy to get professional health.

Pregnancy can be a nine month tribulation of passing gas, nausea, and heartburn. It is a period of bonding with an unborn child, wondering about your child's purpose in life, feeling every hearbeat and kick with amazement. To avoid any later regrets, take care of your health. And enjoy life.

"In her own interest, every pregnant woman should make a habit of never entering a room without making a note of the quickest way of getting out of it and into either fresh air or a bathroom." --Audrey Hull

Great advice Audrey!

About The Author
David Arnold Livingston is passionate about Health, has assisted his spouse in supporting her during her pregnancy and suggests you visit, as a resource:
http://www.seepregnancy.com

How to Lose Weight After Pregnancy

Weight control is a prevalent concern for many women after pregnancy. Although common during pregnancy, weight gain is difficult for many women to handle emotionally. Many women are unclear about how to separate fact from fiction concerning this "post-pregnancy" weight control. First of all, women need to understand how much weight gain is actually "normal" during pregnancy. Do try to keep in mind that your pregnancy weight wasn't gained overnight so it won't disappear that quickly, either. As a matter of detail, you gained that weight so that you would have plenty of reserves for feeding your baby.

Eat healthy foods. This really is unnoticed, though. Emphasize nutrient rich foods, which are not having too much fat. Avoid oily snack foods and so-called healthy foods like cheese and complete milk. Eat more fruits, vegetables, grains, pastas and beans and avoid red meat and salads laden with dressing. Try to build some outdoor activity into your day. In some way walk with your baby every day and try to get a jogging stroller added to your wish list. Sling makes carrying your baby more resourceful and burn more calories. Drink plenty of water. Avoid soda, cool drink and juice. Some foods are they were truly empty calories. Combining 200 fewer calories per day of higher fat foods that's just a couple portion of dressing or a piece of cheese with 20 minutes of a good walk with your baby will lead to exactly the weight loss and conditioning you want. Add in a little formal or informal yoga and stretching and you'll get there even sooner.

Weight loss after pregnancy can be slow and many new mothers find it difficult to continue a diet after having a baby. Babies do not recognize your desire to lose weight and regain your figure. As a result regular meals can be difficult. However, please avoid the fast or 'starve' yourself into regaining your pre-pregnancy shape. Stock up with healthy, filling, convenient snacks, like soups, low-fat pasta sauces, lean meats, whole meal bread and cereals, fresh vegetables and fat-free dairy products.There seems to be a myth that weight loss after pregnancy can only be successful if it occurs quickly. Somehow, many women feel that if they have not lost all the pregnancy weight by 1 year after delivery, something is wrong with them, they are not standard, or they have failed in some way. In fact, the truth is that weight loss after pregnancy can take a very long time, sometimes even few years, without signifying that something is wrong.

Gradual weight loss is the standard, not the exception, and the rate of weight loss depends on several factors, such as whether there were difficulties with the pregnancy or delivery. Pregnancy complications can make a woman feel weak with her mobility. Certain diseases like postpartum inflammation of the thyroid gland, which is a general complication that shows itself soon after delivery, can cause massive weight struggles if they are severe. Exercising every single day, even if that exercise is just walking, is an absolute must and the lack of exercise is what often holds up the process.

Consulting a dietician is a best way to obtain an individualized plan. The dietician will assess key issues like your food preferences, schedule.. etc in order to create a customized individual plan. As well, while you follow the dietician's plan, you needsto keep up daily exercise to optimize your weight loss. We are only human. Fast weight loss will not stay off, but rational weight loss will stay off. Weight loss will simply not be acceptable if exercise is lacking. This is true for many reasons; including that exercise helps to keep your body's metabolism from decreasing extremely while dieting.

About The Author
Balaji B

Visit :
http://natural-treatment-guide.com/pregnancy/how-to-lose-pregnancy-weight.html
or
http://natural-treatment-guide.com/pregnancy/loose-weight-after-pregnancy.html
for more tips on how to lose weight quickly & safely after pregnancy.

A Step-By-Step Plan to a Healthy Pregnancy

Having a baby is an exciting moment. However, the nine months leading up to the experience can be a bit unnerving. Most women worry throughout their pregnancy about the health of their baby. To alleviate the stress and worry that often creep up during pregnancy, plan instead to have a healthy pregnancy and you can rest assured that you have done your very best to have a healthy baby.

1. Get in Shape Early. When you find out that you’re pregnant is not the time to start a new diet or exercise program. If you are planning to become pregnant, make sure you are at a healthy weight and in the best physical activity. Doing this will help you during your pregnancy and can help you to have a problem-free delivery. If your pregnancy is unexpected and you aren’t in the best shape possible, don’t worry about it. It is possible to have a healthy baby while limiting the amount of excess weight that you gain. Eating plenty of fruit and vegetables will give your baby the nourishment it needs while helping you to limit the amount of weight you gain.

2. Your Baby is What You Eat. Your baby depends on the lifeline that you and they share to grow properly. Following a diet that includes all the major food groups is probably the simplest approach to a healthy diet. You may discover your appetite changing during the course of your pregnancy. This is common and shouldn’t alarm you if you have unusual food cravings. It is quite acceptable to enjoy “bad” food once in a while, as long as you limit how frequently you indulge in these foods. Since some nutrients aren’t abundant in most foods, doctors often recommend that pregnant women begin taking vitamin formulas designed specifically for them.

3. Exercise regularly. While a rigorous exercise program is unsuitable when you are pregnant, it is a good idea to try and get some exercise every day. Many women are nervous about doing anything that may harm their baby. Walking on a daily basis is beneficial for your health as well as for your baby. Before you begin any exercise program, you should first discuss your plans with your doctor.

4. Avoid the big no-nos. If you follow only one step in this plan for a healthy pregnancy, avoid the big no-nos: don’t drink, smoke, or take drugs (this includes medications that your doctor has not approved). There are many debates about how these habits can affect your baby. The very fact that it is slightly possible to cause injury to your baby should be enough for you to avoid indulging in any of them during your pregnancy. The use of caffeine during pregnancy is debatable. You should discuss this with your doctor if you normally consume coffee, tea, or soda on a regular basis.

5. Pamper Yourself. Pregnancy is a special time and people will treat you with more attention. You should relish in this time because soon things will return to normal! Don’t forget to give yourself special attention. Remember, if you’re stressed your baby will feel stressed too. One of the most important things you can do to pamper yourself is to get sufficient rest. If before you were pregnant you spent days burning the midnight oil, you need to make sure you have this habit licked before you become pregnant.

About The Author
Nicky Pilkington
You can find additional information about preparing for pregnancy by visiting
http://pregnancy-step-by-step.org/.

How To Eat A Healthy Diet During Pregnancy

Perhaps the number one complaint of women trying to watch their weight during pregnancy is that they are hungry all the time. True, pregnancy does result in an increased metabolic demand on the body, which can cause you to be hungry. Many women also experience a number of cravings during pregnancy, which can make healthy eating challenging.

The first thing to remember is that the idea that you should eat for two is wrong. You only need an additional 300 calories per day, and generally you don’t need these calories until you are well on your way to the second and third trimesters.

So what can you do to help manage your weight and stick to a healthy diet?

Remember that during pregnancy it is vital that you do not cut back on your caloric intake. This has the potential to rob your baby of essential nutrients that are necessary for his/her growth and development. Here are some tips to help you stick to a healthy diet throughout your pregnancy:

Avoid skipping meals. If you have a habit of skipping breakfast, you’ll find that you are not only more fatigued but ravenous during your pregnancy, which will result in overeating. Be sure that you eat each meal every day.

Try eating several mini meals throughout the ay. This will not only help you feel fuller longer, it will help minimize the nausea often experienced during the first trimester.

Satisfy your cravings with nutritious snacks. Have a variety of healthy things to snack on readily available so you avoid overindulging in foods that are too decadent. If you are craving something sweet, consider having some mini chocolates near by or opt for a cup of hot chocolate. Both are far better for you than an entire candy bar or piece of cake.

Exercise during your pregnancy. The act of exercising in and of itself will be plenty to motivate you to stick to a healthy diet. You’ll feel better about yourself and find that you have more energy throughout the day.

Avoid high calorie beverages. Soda pop (which isn’t good for you anyway, particularly during pregnancy), juices and other flavored drinks often contain a good 100-300 calories per serving. Stick to water or flavored water during your pregnancy.

Drink lots of water. You may think you are hungry when in fact you are actually thirsty at many points during your pregnancy. In fact, the brains hunger and thirst centers often get mixed up, so people often feel hungry when they are in fact dehydrated. The better hydrated you are, the les likely you are to overeat.

About The Author
Article by Beverley Brooke, author of "Ensure a healthy safe pregnancy for you and your baby", visit http://www.pregnancy-weight-loss.com for more on pregnancy health issues.

Pregnancy Exercise And Diet Tips

Pregnancy Exercise And Diet Tips - Sensible Advice For Expectant Mothers

Mothers-to-be have many questions about pregnancy nutrition and exercise. The tips and advice below will help you get started on a healthy pregnancy.

A diet containing the essential nutrients and vitamins are vital to the development of both mother and child. Vitamins are imperative to the health of a developing baby and the well being of the mother. Choosing foods that are rich in vitamins and other nutrients are a critical part of a healthy pregnancy nutrition plan and supplemental vitamins are necessary as well.

Follow a well-planned pregnancy diet to help avoid complications such as morning sickness, fatigue, anemia, and constipation. Your healthy diet must continue after pregnancy if you plan to breastfeed your baby.

Pregnancy food recommendations

* Your pregnancy diet should include plenty of complex and unrefined carbohydrates as they contain important B vitamins, trace minerals, and fiber that are essential to a fit, healthy pregnancy.

* Appropriate quantities of yellow and green leafy vegetables are vital for the growth of the baby and the health of the mother.

* Dairy products contain calcium that will assist in the developing baby's teeth and bones. If your diet is lacking calcium your body will draw calcium from your bones to meet it's increased need.

* Avoid excessive amounts of fat must be avoided during pregnancy, as it will only serve to add excess pounds, which will be hard to lose after the birth of your baby.

* Vitamin C in generous amounts is crucial to a healthy pregnancy, bone growth, and various metabolic processes. Including berries, citrus fruits, raw broccoli and cabbage can help provide you with the Vitamin C that you need.

Ideally, your pregnancy diet should include 3-4 servings of protein and meat, 2-4 servings of fruit, 6-11 servings of grains, 4-6 servings of dairy products, and 6-8 glasses of water, milk, and juice. A pregnant mother must follow a healthy diet that will benefit the developing baby but that will also maintain her general health as well.

Exercise recommendations during pregnancy

Exercise during pregnancy will promote strength, muscle tone, and endurance. Regular activity during your pregnancy will help alleviate swelling, fatigue, and backache. If you expect to remain fit during your pregnancy you will need to work your heart and major muscle groups. The type of exercise you do during your pregnancy will depend on your fitness level prior to pregnancy. Walking, pregnancy yoga videos, and swimming are excellent pregnancy exercises combined with stretching and other low-impact activities.

Exercises that involve a risk of falling or injury should be avoided such as bicycling, racket sports, horseback riding, and skiing. You will need to alter your exercise routine from trimester to trimester to accommodate your growing body. Avoiding over-exertion is necessary to avoid complications such as faintness, dizziness, vaginal bleeding, and premature contractions. Also, make sure you drink plenty of water before, during, and after exercising to reduce the risk of dehydration, which can raise your body temperature and cause harm to yourself and/or your baby.

A regular exercise program is beneficial to both mother and child, but check with your health care provider to make sure you have no conditions or risks that will prevent you from participating in a regular exercise routine or could cause potential harm to yourself or your child.

About The Author
Tina Titas is a columnist for http://funexercisevideos.com, where you'll find the latest pregnancy exercise videos at a great price.