Pregnant women consume lots of food in their diet, and there is a growing concern among health nutritionists and doctors regarding this fact. Such women consume all types of foods they can lay their hand on and controlling the consumption of extra calories is always a worry. In simple terms, weight gain during pregnancy is as a result of an uncontrolled diet.
What most pregnant women are not aware of is that if they fail to control their questionable eating behavior, they risk losing their lives and those of their precious babies. Too much weight gain during pregnancy has its downfalls. For instance, a pregnant mother who gains an uncontrollable amount of weight gain during pregnancy increases her chances of getting pregnancy related illnesses like diabetes and obesity after giving birth. Besides, the child may also have weight gaining tendencies.
Five ways to control weight gain during pregnancy
1. Eat right
Instead of being discouraged by weight gain, pregnant mothers should stick to simple protein rich diets. Health experts recommend that pregnant women choose healthy foods that that consist of vegetables, fruits, fish, extra virgin olive oil, whole grain, low-fat dairy products to mention a few. Besides, they should consult a doctor or nutritionist to provide them with several prenatal supplements because dieting is the best weight to control weight gain. And that is not all; pregnant mothers should avoid eating high calorie based foods like pastries, cookies, cake, soda, carbonated drinks as well as fast foods.
2. Exercise
Overweight pregnant mothers can control weight gain during pregnancy by engaging in some exercise or physical activities. However, much care and precaution should be taken before joining any exercise program. Without a doubt, regular exercise during pregnancy will help pregnant mothers achieve their weight loss goals.
3. Drink lots of water
Staying hydrated is among the fastest ways to control your weight during pregnancy. Drinking plenty of water before taking your meals will make you full reducing the amount of food that you eat.
4. Avoid stress
Getting stressed now and then during pregnancy raises the levels of cortisol that is closely linked to weight gain. Try and live a happier and stress-free life to avoid gaining weight during pregnancy. Meditation or yoga that emphasize on proper breathing will help you reduce stress and shed off those extra pounds.
5. Get enough sleep
Sleep deprivation is linked to weight gain in pregnant women. It alters the way the body functions particularly how the body melts fat. If you are pregnant, and you are not getting enough sleep change your sleeping habits and get more sleep.