Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through our links, at no cost to you. Please read our disclosure for more info.
You’ve just found out that you’re pregnant! That means you can comfortably eat for two for the next nine months, right? Wrong. The old wives’ tale that suggests it’s fine to eat for two during pregnancy is proving to be just that, an outdated myth.
With more and more pregnant women found to be obese, doctors are now warning them to avoid eating for two, as gaining too much weight during pregnancy can lead to complications. Instead, expectant mothers are now being urged to combine a healthy diet with exercise, as this has proven to very effective in limiting the amount of weight gained during pregnancy.
By contrast, eating for two can lead to excessive weight gain, potentially causing serious problems for the mother and later on a risk factor for obesity in the child.
Being too heavy can lead to backache, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, miscarriages and overdue births, among others. This can make labor a lot harder, and consequently lead to birth by C-section, which in itself has its own risks.
If you’re already at a healthy weight, you shouldn’t gain much more than you already weigh throughout your pregnancy. You should aim to gain the least amount of weight in your first trimester, which works out at around 1-5 pounds. From that point on, about a pound a week in the second and third trimesters respectively should be fine. If you’re expecting twins, are over or under weight, speak to your doctor right at the beginning of your pregnancy, as the rate of your recommended weight gain will be different.
Try eating little and often through the day. Five or six mini meals should help keep the cravings at bay, too. Moreover, this will help you manage your weight, while also avoiding the dreaded heartburn and indigestion. Eat as and when the hunger pangs strike; eating in a pattern that best suits you will ensure that you meet your nutritional needs.
Try to keep junk food to a limit, as it amounts to nothing more than empty calories, which will leave you hungry in no time. Opt for healthy snacks like fruit and vegetables, being careful to wash them thoroughly before eating them.