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You may have tried to figure out how the stars seem to have no problem returning to their weight before they got pregnant. The amount of weight they gain is only the amount that is necessary in order to give birth to a healthy baby. Weight gain that goes beyond what is needed for the formation of the baby, placenta, womb, and increased blood supply, is considered extra weight. Many mommies-to-be can deliver a baby with no health concerns without putting on extra weight, according to many doctors. We will explain different ways to help you avoid those additional pounds.

Healthy Weight Gain vs. Excess

To start with, some of the weight you gain during pregnancy will go away after giving birth, and you need to be aware of the difference between healthy compared to excess weight gain. How much a woman should gain during pregnancy varies depending on her pre-pregnancy weight: 25-35 pounds for an average, healthy woman, 28-40 for those that are underweight to start, and 15-25 for those that are overweight. Most of the time, weight gain occurs gradually throughout the pregnancy. In the first trimester 2 to 4 pounds are lost, but after that one can expect to gain 1 to 2 pounds a week until delivery.

Is there really a need for this much weight gain? Here is a comprehensive list of those extra pounds:

' The baby weighs about 7 to 8 pound at the end of pregnancy, and your uterus will be an extra 2-5 pounds.

' 2 to 3 pounds accounts for the weight of the placenta surrounding the baby.

' Your breast tissue expands for another 2 to 3 pounds and 5 to 9 pounds are the fat that your body stores in order to deliver and feed your baby naturally.

' 2 or 3 pounds of the additional weight is the amniotic fluid.

' 4 pounds of the weight is the blood supply needed by the baby.

Essentially, any weight beyond what is listed is considered extra weight that the baby will not need to grow. Once you deliver your baby, losing the extra weight is difficult.

Eating for Two

The most common way women gain excess weight during pregnancy is to buy into the myth of 'eating for two.' Celebrities know healthy fetal development only requires and extra 100 to 300 calories daily. A bowl of cereal and an apple is about what this equals. However upsetting it may be, additional calories will turn into fat when you eat anything beyond that. While you might not be aware that you have this extra fat, when you finally try to wear your old clothes again, it will become painfully apparent.

Therefore, when you are pregnant, watch what you eat if you want to avoid gaining unwelcome weight. Things like fresh veggies, fruits, lean meats, and breads made of whole wheat are good choices of food to make. Not only will these healthy choices help maintain a normal weight for you, but the nutrients in the food are good for your baby as well.

Keeping the Baby Bump Active

When you see pregnant celebrities in magazines, they are almost always photographed taking a walk. Have you ever wondered about this? It's generally agreed upon by most doctors that it is fine for expectant mothers to exercise. To burn any extra calories that you ate to satisfy a craving, try taking a long walk. This will also help to level out your mood with the increase in blood flow. One more celebrity weight loss secret revealed!

Note: The tips listed are to be used by healthy women only after consulting a doctor regarding minimizing extra weight gain during pregnancy Remember that women still need to have healthy weight gain during pregnancy, so do not attempt to avoid this. There are possible side effects that could be detrimental to the mother and unborn baby's health. Remember to talk with your doctor about this.