Did you know that as an expectant mum you can still go along to your local Slimming World group and continue Food Optimising, with the support of your midwife or GP. Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet is an ideal way to prevent excess weight gain and help towards a healthy pregnancy. If you’re expecting a little bundle of joy, or thinking of becoming a mum, read on…
Healthy and safe for you and baby!
We know that weight concerns don’t just disappear when a mum-to- be discovers the happy news. The thought of ‘normal’ weight gain during pregnancy can be quite harrowing, especially for someone wanting to lose weight.
Food optimising is a healthy, nutritious eating plan, encouraging you to eat as much food as you like to satisfy your appetite, rather than operating as a restrictive diet. Slimming World members can continue to Food Optimise throughout their pregnancy.
Food Optimising recipes are based around filling and delicious Free Foods, that are ideal for a healthy balanced diet during your pregnancy. Choosing a wide variety of foods such as calcium-rich milk and cheese, whole grains, as well as plenty of fruit and vegetables will help towards a really balanced diet.
Pregnancy is a time of life when gaining some weight is to be expected. It’s natural to be concerned about your food intake, how much weight you could gain and how active you should be, so we’ve answered those questions.
You might be surprised to hear that there are no formal recommendations for weight gain during pregnancy in Ireland, however modest weight gain is thought to be essential during pregnancy.
Your weight will increase because of the weight of the baby and the placenta, as well as the extra body fluid, blood, fat stores and tissue your body builds to protect baby. Generally this adds up to around 14lbs but this can vary from individual to individual. Your midwife might give you advice on what to aim towards depending on your weight at the start of your pregnancy.
In the US the Institute of Medicine recommends a weight gain of of 25-35lbs (11.5- 16kg) in a normal pregnancy, for women of a healthy weight. The American guidelines also suggest that women who have a BMI of over 30kg/m 2 at the start of their pregnancy should aim to gain between 11 and 20lbs (5-9kg) during their pregnancy. Your midwife might use these US recommendations as a guide
Pregnancy doesn’t have to mean inactivity and for most pregnant women, regular activity will be highly beneficial. Being fit is an advantage both in the pregnancy and recovery period. Vigorous exercise, however, should be avoided. Gentle activity that doesn’t leave you short of breath, overheated or overly tired is generally recommended.
Walking is a great way to keep active during pregnancy and the support of the water makes swimming a good option too.
It’s important to consult your GP or midwife before starting any exercise, particularly if you haven’t been active prior to your pregnancy. Your GP or midwife should be able to advise on suitable activity or even recommend local classes such as ‘aqua-natal’ for mums-to- be.
For more information on pregnancy and being a new mum, visit our mums website, slimmingworld.com/mums or to talk to a local slimming world consultant use the contact details below or message our facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/slimmingworldindonegal/
*Because weight management during pregnancy needs careful monitoring, we require you to obtain the support of your midwife to continue attending group
MONDAY
The Vestry, St Conals Church, Letterkenny, 5.30 & 7.30
Call Sandra; 086-0792558
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TUESDAY
The Villa Rose Hotel, Ballybofey, 9.30, 11.30, 5.30 & 7.30
Call Donna: 087 6264618
The Inishowen Gateway Hotel, Buncrana, 9.30, 5.30 & 7.30
Call Anne Marie: 086-0848705
The Cathedral Hall, Raphoe 7.30
Call Geraldine: 086-3348048
WEDNESDAY
The Mt Errigal Hotel, Lettekenny 10.00, 12.00, 5.00 & 7.00
Call Sandra: 086-0792558
Mulroy Woods Hotel, Milford 5.30 & 7.30
Call Geraldine: 086-3348048
Columban Hall, Newtown 5.30 & 7.30
Call Anne Marie: 086-0848705
THURSDAY
The Colgan Hall, Carndonagh 9.30, 11.30, 5.30 & 7.30
Call Roisin: 087-7658900
St Eunans GAA Clubhouse, Letterkenny 9.30, 11.30,5.30 & 7.30
Call Catherine:086-3962666
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