Pregnancy is one of the most amazing times in a woman’s life. You body changes and grows to support the new little life you are nourishing. The question is how much weight should you gain during your pregnancy. Many women literately believe that because they are “eating for two” that they can and should eat everything and anything they want. That is not true, you should only gain 25-30 pounds that is an average of an additional 300 calories a day.
While it is okay to occasionally indulge in a late night craving as long as you eat nutritious meals the rest of the day. It can become a problem if you gain to much weight, health complications can develop for you and your baby, plus you will have a lot more weight to try and lose after the baby is born.
What Is A Healthy Weight While Pregnant
Dr. Ahmadinia works with you to help manage your weight with a healthy diet plan. The following tips will ensure that your weight management plan provides you and your baby with the nutrients you both need.
- Prenatal Vitamins – While they are not a food, they are an excellent source of all the vitamins and minerals you and your baby need. They contain one of the most important vitamins, folic acid which helps prevent birth defects.
- One of the first things you should consider when planning your diet is eating six small meals a day instead of three large meals. First, this will keep you full all day because you will be eating more often. Second, as your baby grows trying to eat three large meals a day will make you uncomfortable and feel fuller quicker because as your belly gets bigger their will be less room for your stomach.
- The foods you will want to eat the most of – lean protein, whole grains, fresh fruit and vegetables, and dairy. All of these are high in nutritional value and will make you feel full while still being comfortable.
- Healthy snacks are also allowed – celery with peanut butter, apple slices with peanut butter and fresh fruit dipped in plain yogurt are all excellent snack choices.
Reza Ahmadinia OBGYN is proud to provide Gynecology and Obstetrics service to the women of High Desert and Apple Valley. Dr. Ahmadinia OB/GYN will work with you to make sure you have a healthy diet plan and provide ways to help you manage your new way of eating for two.
