Dieting While Pregnant to Control Pregnancy Weight Gain

Dieting is never appropriate during pregnancy. However, you should manage your inevitable pregnancy weight gain through exercise and healthy eating. It's important for you and your health care provider to discuss an appropriate pregnancy weight gain, based on your height, starting weight and other factors. You should also be mindful of what you're eating. Small changes can add up to big calories. For example, many pregnant women start drinking fruit juices without realizing how high in calorie they are.

If you find you're gaining more weight during pregnancy than expected, reevaluate what you're doing. But remember, some women are going to gain more weight than the norm, even if they do eat carefully. However, if you're gaining weight because you're overindulging, put on the brakes by exercising and following a healthful diet.