But my doc today summed it up best when we were taking about this..."Do you know how many women out there wish that they have only gained 8 pounds at 21 weeks pregnant. Just goes to show what healthy eating, and exercise can do for pregnancy! (which we talk about at every appointment, I tell him my exercise routine for the week!) Whatever you are doing, keep doing it because it is working!" Looks like I will be sticking with my shakeology and 30 minute workouts, and strength training 5 days a week.
(Me at 20 weeks with all 3 of my different pregnancies!)
With Mason I gained 55 pounds. He was born at 39 weeks weighing in at 7 pounds 4 ounces (Wow, so weird to think I gained that much). Collin I gained 20 pounds and he was born at 40 weeks 5 days weight in at 7 pounds even. For most moms weight gain is something that is just going to happen whether you like it or not. And how much of the weight you gain can be controlled, but there is never any guarantees how much weight you will gain in the end. Check out how each of my pregnancies have been so different in terms of eating and exercise!
Talk with your doctor about exactly how much weight they recommend for you to gain during your pregnancy. The common rule for an average pregnancy is to gain between 25-35 pounds. But that really what most women thing they should gain regardless of weight prior to pregnancy. It varies for women who are overweight and underweight too. Overweight women, like me, are now being advised to gain less than the average recommended amount while underweight ladies should gain more in order to support their pregnancies. And if there are twins or triplets, then the weight gain will be even more.
So how do you control your weight gain while pregnant?
1) Thing to help you NOT gain too much weight...DO NOT STOP EXERCISING! Unless advised by your doctor, you can continue normal exercise and daily routines, at least walking. Just move your body. As much as we want to sit and eat ice cream all day everyday, it isn't going to do you or your baby a bit of good. Aim for a good 30 minutes of exercise at least 5 days a week. I have been doing 21 Day Fix yoga & pilates, Cize, Diary Of A Fit Mommy's Fit For Two 2nd Trimester workouts and the Beachbody On Demand Active Maternity 2nd Trimester workouts.
2) Do not eat for two! You are eating for you and a tiny little human. Not an adult sized human. The recommended caloric intake increase is only 300 calories in the second trimester, and 500 calories in the third trimester and during breastfeeding. 300-500 calories is really not that much in terms of foods. It can be easy to over eat and over indulge. So make sure that you are diligent in what you are eating.
3) Eat 5-6 meals a day. Not big meals, small meals just like you did before you got pregnant. Making sure that you are getting veggies, fruits and protein in as much as possible, and limiting your sweets and sugars intake. Stick with whole fruits and veggies, good carbs, lean proteins and in the right portions. Stay away from sweets, treats, breads because we often eat too much of them in one sitting and those are filled with excessive calories. Indulgent meals are okay on occasion but do not make it a regular thing. Try not to give into those ice cream cravings on a daily basis because it could cause you to gain over the recommended amount of weight during your pregnancy!
**Want to know my #1 tip to have a healthy pregnancy? CLICK HERE! Because I have done it! 26 pounds total gained and I gave birth to a healthy baby girl!
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