There’s no doubt about it you are going to put on weight whilst pregnant. There will be an increase in the size and weight of the uterus, breasts and certain muscles. The growing fetus, the enlarging placenta, the expanding membranes and the increasing amniotic fluid all add to the expectant mother’s increase in weight. Most women lose this weight within a reasonable length of time after giving birth.

It is very important that you don’t gain too much weight when you are pregnant. If you do childbirth will be difficult because your baby could be too big and you will have problems afterwards losing all the weight that you picked up when you were pregnant. It is also important that you don’t starve yourself during pregnancy thus depriving yourself and your baby of essential nutrients.

The average weight to gain during pregnancy is roughly 10 to 12 kilograms. During the first twelve weeks you won’t see much of a weight increase but from then you should gain about half a kilogram a week for the duration of your pregnancy.

Your diet during your pregnancy is very important. Do not use up all your calorie intake by eating junk food. You must eat all the different food groups and this includes protein, vitamins, calcium, and iron. Avoid highly spiced foods, fatty foods and sweetened drinks. Remember to take your iron and vitamin supplement. You get calcium from milk, there’s iron in salads. Eat whole grain bread and there is citrus in fruits.

Your mental attitude is also very important whilst you are pregnant. Enjoy your pregnancy as much as you can. Remember the unborn child receives its oxygen and nourishment from the Mother’s blood so you are in control of this tiny being growing inside of you. He-she will benefit from all the nourishment you bestow upon it.