This is my first post here, but I just had to jump in! I have had 4 children, so I completely understand the fear of gaining too much weight. So I have some suggestions (in addition to consulting a physician or midwife).
First of all, do not count calories! Eat whenever you are hungry. Hunger is your body's way of telling you that you and your baby need nutrients. Remember that you are creating a little life and any nutrient deficiencies could cause harm to your baby. You want your baby to develop 100% normally!
But, you can make sure that everything you eat is nutritious. You can definately cut out sugars and bad carbohydrates! By doing this you will only gain the amount of weight necessary to keep you and your baby healthy.
1/3 of the way through my 4th pregnancy, I freaked out because I had already gained a lot of weight, so I cut all sugar and only ate healthy carbs, fruit, veggies and protien sources. As soon as I did this, I lost 7 lbs (my midwife freaked a little, but I assured her I was NOT dieting just eating healthy). Then through the rest of the pregnancy I only gained about 10-15 more pounds. But when I had my baby, I was only about 15 pounds above my starting weight (with all other pregnancies, I was a solid 30-40lbs above still).
You can definately excercise - I took step class, kick-boxing, pilates, yoga, walked, lifted weights, water aerobics, etc. Just listen to your body. If it hurts stop. And drink tons and tons of water, because lack of water can cause your uterus to contract. So definately drink up.
And of course if you have any complications with your pregnancy, you may have to stop exercising.
Be smart. Be safe. And remember that this is not the time to deprive yourself of calories - you have a little baby to build. Eat healthy, but eat lots.
And please realize these are my opinions. I am definately not a professional.
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