It is a concern shared by many women that they will gain a lot of weight during pregnancy or will be unable to lose it after having the baby.

It cannot be denied that you will gain weight. You will gain between 2 - 5 pounds in your first trimester then around 1 pound per week every week after that point. In addition to baby you will have amniotic fluid, possible water retention and possible weight gain as a result of reduced levels of activity. The question therefore is not “will I gain weight” but rather “how can I control my weight gain”

The following hints and tips will help you to control your weight gain throughout pregnancy and prepare you to lose the weight more quickly once your little one arrives:

• Ditch faddy diets. Base your diet around getting a balanced mix of healthy foods which provide you and baby with the nutrients you need.
• Ditch the junk food - keep the carbs in fruit and veg but if you really want to stay low on carbs ditch the pasta, pastry and bread.
• Be optimistic. You may be one of those lucky mums who have a neat little bump and gorgeous waist
• Get your calcium from milk, yoghurt or calcium but ditch the cheese, cream and fatty sauces. Use healthy spread instead of butter
• Continue to exercise as normal throughout early pregnancy but do not begin any exercise regime which is more demanding than you did before getting pregnant
• If your pregnancy is high risk ask your doctor before deciding on an exercising regime
• Wear loose fitting clothes as it can harm baby if you get overheated. This is also the reason why the hot tub should be avoided during pregnancy.
• If doing yoga do not stand still or hold poses for too long as this can cause blood to pool in your feet and make you dizzy which in turn increases the risk of you falling.
• Avoid movements which strain your stomach or pelvic muscles such as lunges and sit ups. Remember that during pregnancy your ligaments and muscles relax more making it easier to damage or tear them.
• Avoid high impact or high energy exercise so as not to increase your heart rate too much
• Do not obsess about your weight. From a preaching point of view the most important thing is that your baby is healthy. From a selfish point of view use this time to indulge yourself and make the most of maternity fashion which is actually designed for expanding waistlines!
• If you are used to counting calories then keep up that skill. During pregnancy you should aim to up your calorie intake by 300 calories per day
• Take walks, do yoga and pilates. All of these are exercises that you will be able to continue with baby after you have given birth.
• Keep your eyes on the prize. Your ultimate goal is to give birth to a healthy baby. You are pregnant for just 9 months then have all the time in the world to lose that weight. Enjoy your free pass to being overweight. This is the one time when you are actually expected to be
• If you have body issues or have had eating disorders or control issues then do not be ashamed or embarassed. Pregnancy is a time for being open, honest and factual to get the best for you and your child. Discuss your concerns or issues with your doctor or midwife as they will be able to advise you.