When a woman finds out that she is pregnant, the first thing she usually does is concentrate on her health. Her diet should now include folic acid to avoid genetic disorders, vitamins for overall health, and calcium to compensate for the bone development of her unborn child.

Light exercise like walking, swimming and calisthenics are also recommended. Keeping fit and flexible will help her prepare for childbirth and also allow her to feel both physically and emotionally better while her body begins to gradually expand.

Most mothers are put on a monthly medical checkup program to control body weight and blood pressure. Blood and urine testing may also be performed as some mothers develop anemia or even temporary diabetes during pregnancy.

A major concern of expectant mothers is “how much weight will I gain?” Doctors recommend less than a stone. A maximum of ten to twelve kilos per pregnancy, if possible, is a good rule of thumb, while in fact some gain more, some gain less. Additional kilos can make childbirth more difficult and put a strain on the woman’s cardiovascular system. In addition, no one enjoys feeling large and bloated, so a wise woman will eat healthily and include a daily walk in her routine. But not gaining enough weight is also not recommended. Read the rest of this entry »