Resisting the urge to eat for two during pregnancy is vital to limit excess weight gain in both mothers and their babies say researchers from New Zealand. 

I always remember my mum saying that you never see animals that look like baby blimps when they’re pregnant. When you think about it, animals look remarkably “normal” during pregnancy. Interesting that this study follows hot on the heels of one I blogged about yesterday, showing that the women who were obese at conception or gained too much weight during pregnancy had very reduced gut bio-diversity and this effect, as well as their weight management issues, were passed to their offspring. 

Another good reason for achieving normal weight before you conceive. Achieving optimal gut health is a foundation measure in the preconception period too, supported by the right balance of protein, carbohydrate and fat from organically fed and raised produce, all backed up by ongoing detoxification and regular exercise. Final part of the equation is to keep stress levels at a minimum and remove anything that might be potentially toxic. 

Pretty simple really, but all of the foregoing could dramatically increase the percentage of women who gain only the necessary amount of weight during pregnancy (breasts, extra blood volume, baby and uterus). All-over-lard is over the top as far as weight gain is concerned. No need to define how much that weight gain should be, it will be different for every woman, but attend to all of the diet and lifestyle recommendations, back it up with core nutritional supplementation and you’ll gain what is exactly right for you and your baby. 

And while on the subject of supplementation, food requirements during pregnancy only increase by 25 percent while nutritional requirements may double!