Keeping the ideal weight as you expect

If wishes were horses, women would be the first to ride on them. This is because most women dislike that their weight increases during pregnancy.

However this is unfortunate because one has to gain some weight as the baby grows This also ensures that the baby is born healthy and with the best possible weight. Mostly, women do not have this in mind and they resort to all sorts of measures to keep their weight levels low to their own peril because this only results in smaller, sickly babies who require more hospital time and nave a higher incidence of problems including neonatal death.

All hope is not lost however, because there are practical ways in which you can keep weight down during pregnancy. First, the way you feed while pregnant ensures that your baby is born healthy and reduces their chances of getting certain illnesses such as cancer and diabetes later on in life. The flip side is that eating healthy also keeps your weight down. thus, avoid junk. If you really have to eat a piece of junk, go for smaller packs and pile or the salad for extra nutrients.

‘Secondly, avoid caffeine and alcohol because they hinder the absorption of folic acid, iron and other essential nutrients during pregnancy”.

They also pull calcium from the bones and this may result in a deformed baby It is also not advisable for one to eat uncooked food or cured meat This is because they carry bacteria that can affect you and the baby. Key to note, avoid fat You require only 5 per cent fat during pregnancy and most foods contain fat sufficient to carry on a healthy pregnancy. Also, ovoid foods with artificial colorings e g. cakes and spices

Also, eat breakfast every morning. Sometimes mums feel sick in the morning but a wheat made toast even before you get out of bed could provide the nutrients that you need to be healthy while keeping the food down. Later in the morning you could take the rest of your breakfast which should include fruit, cereals, milk and/or yogurt. You should also eat high fiber foods -or instance, sating whole gram cereals, brown rice, beans and plenty of water can prevent constipation a common occurrence during pregnancy.

Also. keep healthy fruits line apples, oranges, bananas and grapes at hand to avoid having to look for them whenever you feel hungry If you experience heartburn, avoid spicy food and try eating slowly and in a relaxed manner it’s also important for you to exercise This will enable you maintain an optimum weight. However, this should be done under the instruction of your gynae.

END: PG35/40