Most women indulge in too much eating during pregnancy not counting the calorie intake with the concept of "Eating for two". This leads to abnormal weight gain during pregnancy which very often opens up the risk of many complications which may endanger the life of the mother and the baby. Weight gain is a common feature in pregnancy and that is desirable too, but that gain should be regulated and monitored specially those who were overweight or obese.
Women whose Body Mass Index (BMI) is more than 25 and less than 30 are overweight and those above 30 are obese. Both these categories have high risks of developing pregnancy complications.
Excess weight gain in pregnancy can be dangerous!
Too much addition in body weight during pregnancy can result in gestational diabetes, hypertension, preeclampsia and eclampsia conditions. These situations can endanger the lives of both the mother and the baby. The baby may develop physiological defects in future.
Easy ways to control weight gain in pregnancy:
Eating right and working right helps in controlling the excess weight gain most effectively.
1. Firstly one needs to chalk out the calorie intake from all the food items and the calorie required to maintain the bodyweight.
2. Eating a good breakfast loaded with whole grains, skimmed milk, fruits and nuts keeps filled whole day providing the nutrition to the baby.
3. Strictly avoiding high sugar food items canned and processed foods.
4. Fruits and vegetables are rich in nutrients vitamins and fiber that limit the weight gain.
5. Drinking plenty of fluids reduces the craving for food.
6. Cooking medium should be rice oil or sunflower oil.
7. Eating steamed, boiled and baked food keeps the nutrients intact and also controls the weight gain in pregnancy.
8. Sticking to skimmed milk and yoghurt instead of cheese, butter, ghee supplies the necessary calcium as well as avoids unnecessary fat intake. Occasional inclusion of butter toast in breakfast is not harmful but not as a regular item.
9. Ice creams and chocolates are very tempting in pregnancy. Indulging in occasional delicious bites in small amounts is permissible.
10. Opting for dry fruits and nuts as snack bites instead of finger chips will help in controlling weight gain.
11. Overweight women can start mild physical work outs such as walking, swimming and other exercises depending upon the tenacity of the body. Overdoing things may be harmful.
One must eat according to her needs and when hungry during pregnancy and not by the encouragement of friends and well wishers. Seeking professional advice to maintain a regular diet chart and monitoring the daily intake is advisable if women are suffering from hypertension and gestational diabetes.
Read more on Weight Gain during Pregnancy. Know about Third Trimester of Pregnancy.
