Thread: Pregnancy and weight control/loss

Hello. Well this is my second child, and as with any pregnancy, I gain weight. I know that there are things I am not supposed to do while pregnant, like dieting. I don’t want to diet, I simply want to control how much I gain all together AFTER the baby is born. If that makes any sense. Before I got pregnant I think I was some where around 250, I’m just guessing. Now I’m 18 weeks, and I am around 228. I haven’t done anything. My soon to be mother-in-law told me that you typically lose weight in your first trimester. I know I’m supposed to gain between 25 to 30 pounds, but I want to weight somewhere closer to 200 after the baby is born. I have no idea if any of this is making sense. Ok, well if anyone has any idea of what I am trying to get at, could you help me figure this out. If it happens that this makes me sound crazy, lol, I will try a different approach.

Copied this from a site. It may help you.

Benefits of Exercising During Pregnancy
No doubt about it, exercise is a big plus for both you and your baby (if complications don't limit your ability to exercise throughout your pregnancy). It can help you:

feel better. At a time when you wonder if this strange body can possibly be yours, exercise can increase your sense of control and boost your energy level. Not only does it make you feel better by releasing endorphins (naturally occurring chemicals in your brain), appropriate exercise can:
relieve backaches and improve your posture by strengthening and toning muscles in your back, butt, and thighs
reduce constipation by accelerating movement in your intestine
prevent wear and tear on your joints (which become loosened during pregnancy due to normal hormonal changes) by activating the lubricating fluid in your joints
help you sleep better by relieving the stress and anxiety that might make you restless at night
look better. Exercise increases the blood flow to your skin, giving you a healthy glow.
prepare you and your body for birth. Strong muscles and a fit heart can greatly ease labor and delivery. Gaining control over your breathing can help you manage pain. And in the event of a lengthy labor, increased endurance can be a real help.
regain your pre-pregnancy body more quickly. You'll gain less fat weight during your pregnancy if you continue to exercise (assuming you exercised before becoming pregnant). But don't expect or try to lose weight by exercising while you're pregnant. For most women, the goal is to maintain their fitness level throughout pregnancy.
While the jury's still out on the additional benefits of exercise during pregnancy, some studies have shown that exercise may even lower a woman's risk of complications, like preeclampsia and gestational diabetes.

Me again:
So I guess it's perfectly fine to exercise as long as you don't overdo it and there are no health problems limiting you.

Eat healthy and exercise, but if you gain weight remeber this is the appropriate amout of weight to gain.

7.5 pounds: average baby's weight
7 pounds: extra stored protein, fat, and other nutrients
4 pounds: extra blood
4 pounds: other extra body fluids
2 pounds: breast enlargement
2 pounds: enlargement of your uterus
2 pounds: amniotic fluid surrounding your baby
1.5 pounds: the placenta