Gaining weight during pregnancy is natural, expected, and healthy. It is important for the proper development of your baby and the healthy adaptation of your body to its new needs and functions.

However, when you gain too much weight, you put yourself at the risk of gestational diabetes, a difficult delivery (which could affect your baby), stubborn postpartum weight, and a number of other health issues.

Here’s how to achieve the recommended weight gain during pregnancy without going overboard.

1). Obey cravings in moderation.

Your pregnancy cravings are normal, and you can learn the best way to satisfy them. If you simply can’t resist a calling for chocolate cake, ice cream, cheese fries, or another unhealthy food, have a small serving size to satisfy your craving without mindlessly consuming the entire serving.

By measuring out a small portion and putting the rest out of sight, you can reduce the chances of reaching for a second helping. Often, a few small and mindful bites can be just as satisfying as an entire serving, without the eventual guilt or weight gain.

2). Drink plenty of water.

You should have about 10 cups of fluids a day while you are pregnant. Water carries nutrients to your baby and can help prevent constipation, hemorrhoids, and excessive swelling, and urinary tract and bladder infections.

Your 10 cups of fluid does not have to be water only.
Avoid sugary and fatty drinks such as flavored coffees, sports drinks, sodas, and whole milk.

Instead opt for skim milk or non-dairy alternatives, decaf coffee you flavor or sweeten yourself, a small glass of 100% fruit juice, plain decaf tea, or water.

3). Avoid lying on your back after the first trimester.

This position puts pressure on a major vein, your vena cava, and can decrease blood flow to your brain, heart, and uterus. This can make you feel dizzy or have shortness of breath.

4). Get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week

Walking, low-impact aerobics, swimming, and cycling on a stationary bike are recommended.

You should be able to talk while you are exercising. If you are unable to talk, you may be exercising too vigorously.

If you exercised regularly before getting pregnant, you should be able to continue the exercise for most of your pregnancy.

If you previously jogged, swam, danced, biked, or practiced yoga, chances are it will be safe and beneficial for you to continue.

If you were inactive before pregnancy, it is still advisable to begin light forms of exercise, such as taking regular walks or swimming a few laps.

You should start with 5 minutes of physical activity a day and build up until you can do at least 30 minutes a day.

You should always warm up and cool down and drink plenty of fluids while you are exercising.

5). If you're already moving, don't stop

Unless your workout routine includes competitive kick boxing or other risky activities for expecting moms, there's no reason you can't keep it up during pregnancy.

You may have to modify your movements as your girth grows and your center of gravity changes, but otherwise, there's no reason you can't stick to your usual activity.

There you have it. 5 tested & trusted ways to avoid weight gaining weight during pregnancy.

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