Pregnancy and Weight Gain

Did you know? Most women who are scared of falling pregnant don't fear the responsibility of motherhood or the pain of delivery nearly as much as they fear... putting on weight.

Clearly, those are women who've never been in a close proximity to a screaming baby, a tantrum-throwing toddler or a 13-year old with a tongue stud and a packet of condoms. But I digress.

It is normal and desirable to put on weight during pregnancy. Your baby, the placenta, you name it. If you try to diet when pregnant, you will only risk your own health and the development of your baby. 

How much pregnancy weight gain is ok? How much is too much or too little? 

The literature suggests 8kg - 20kg, which seems hopelessly too vague. The best tool I found for the job is Kidspot's Pregnancy Weight Gain Calculator. It takes into account your height and pre-pregnancy weight, and it calculates your safe range of pregnancy weight gain for you. Try it.

And just as a reminder, avoid these foodstuffs when pregnant... in favour of these healthy ideas.