When you’re overweight and pregnant there is an increased risk of health complications, and it’s important to be proactive in your care. More than half of women ages 20 to 44 are overweight, and a third are obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Overweight women already have health issues, and pregnancy increases these risks for mom and baby.
Diet
Your weight gain doesn’t have to start until your second trimester. Eating the appropriate amount of healthy foods will keep you and your baby safe from gestational diabetes, birth defects, and other health concerns. Overweight women have actually lost weight during their pregnancy by taking proper care of their bodies. However, excess dieting is harmful to the baby who requires valid nutrients.
- Start a food diary – Limit your calorie intake to 1,800 to 2,400 by having 3 regularmeals and 2 snacks.
- Eat Whole Foods – Whole foods are foods that are closest to their natural form. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes.
- Foods to Avoid – Processed foods, GMO’s, simple sugars, high-fructose corn syrup, fast food, fruit juices, and soft drinks.
- Protein and Fiber – Consume foods high in protein and fiber. Yogurt, nuts, flax seeds, spirulina, chia seeds, turkey jerky, cottage cheese, almond butter, hard boiled eggs, broccoli, kale, sprouts, mushrooms, brussel sprouts, lentils, beans. – Eat 25 to 30 grams of protein every day.
- Mineral Rich Soups After Pregnancy -This replenishes the body’s nutrients and provides ease with bowel movements and recovery.
- Stay Hydrated – Drinks plenty of water. 8 to 10 glasses a day.
Exercise
Proper exercise will boost your energy and your mood, while ensuring your body is operating at it’s peak potential for you and your baby.
- At least 15 minutes Every Day– Even a short walk can do wonders. Begin with a stroll around the neighborhood, and work up to a longer power walk. This gets you out of the house and into nature for fresh oxygen.
- Low Intensity activities – Walking, swimming, water aerobics, and yoga.
- Eliminate Excess pounds – This will prevent problems such as diabetes and hypertension.
- Wear Your Binder – A medical Pregnancy Support Binder helps compress the abdomen to provide support to your stomach, back, and chest.
Pregnancy Support Belt
Binding is one of the most important things aside from proper nutrition and rest when preparing or recovering from pregnancy and childbirth. Belly binding is the ancient technique of wrapping your stomach during pregnancy and postpartum recovery.
- Abdominal Support for Pregnancy – A belly binder offers comfortable support to lower back and tummy.
- C-Section or Postpartum Recovery – Overweight women are more prone for a C-section birth. C-Section Recovery Kit provides the belt, scar massage dvd, and brush. It’s imperative to wear the binder for support, as the excess weight and skin will affect the incision.
- Ease of Mobility – It helps to reduce swelling and prevent the incision from tearing, while offering protection for the incision. This gives greater confidence holding the baby and moving around. Even sneezing and coughing is extremely painful during recovery, and the support belt greatly reduces this discomfort.
- Helps Flatten Tummy and Shrink Hips – Binding allows your body to recall it’s shape prior to pregnancy, and helps flatten the stomach.
- Internal Organ Support – Compression assists in tissue memory and organ placement of the uterus, bladder, and intestines.
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