Sensible Fitness: Baby Fat Excuses
Moms can only use the "I'm-struggling-to-lose-my-baby-fat" line for so long, especially if their child is more than a year old. Learn why you don't have to gain a bundle of fat with your bundle of joy. 

Question:
I just became pregnant and don't want to have 30 pounds of baby fat to lose after my child is born. What should I do?
— Tina

Answer:
It is great that you are addressing this so early in your pregnancy Tina. Many women look into the mirror post-partum and struggle with the tough battle of weight loss that is ahead of them. While I don't know the specifics of your health or exercise history, I can give you some universal advice that will help guide you.

  I have to start with the term "baby fat" which is often overused. I have had countless women tell me that they want to lose the baby fat only to learn their children are more than two years old! I hate to break the news to you, but that would not be baby fat, that would be "mama fat!‚Äù The term "baby fat" is a popular one with women, as it seems to sugar coat or make excessive pregnancy weight gain seem acceptable, but in the end, fat is fat. Diet and exercise is the only line of attack against excessive body fat and both of these topics are approached differently with pregnancy, as there are maternal and fetal responses that need consideration.

First, let's talk about your nutritional requirements during your pregnancy. According to the American College of Obstetrician and Gynecologists, a woman needs 300 additional calories daily during pregnancy, exercise can increase these caloric needs. However, pregnancy is not a free ticket to ravish the buffet or endlessly feed the cravings, but rather a great reason to nourish your child with a healthy diet. Listen to your doctor or dietician and follow their nutritional advice. Your dietary habits during pregnancy can be a huge factor in the amount of weight you will need to lose post-partum.

Exercise is very good for both the mother and the fetus during pregnancy but you should not try to exercise to lose weight while pregnant. Pregnant or not, exercise will help you feel better with increased energy, better sleep and improved moods. But exercise also has some specific benefits for the mother during pregnancy including a reduction in backaches, constipation, and bloating, not to mention that it helps prevent or treat gestational diabetes. There is also building evidence on the positive impact of exercise for the fetus.

You must be careful in picking your form of exercise during pregnancy based on your exercise history, and always check with your doctor before doing so. During pregnancy, many physiological changes to your heart, lungs, and core temperature occur and can have an impact on both mother and child, so don't try to throw a program together on your own, seek a qualified fitness professional.

Generally speaking, it's acceptable for beginners to participate in walking, swimming, stationary cycling and some low-impact aerobic activity. You can usually continue to participate in weight training, tennis, or running, if you had been performing these activities prior to pregnancy, but some modifications may be necessary. Again, before starting or continuing any exercise program through pregnancy, consult your physician.

You can be one of those women who bounce back from pregnancy and look great! But it doesn't just happen unless you are a genetic anolomity, for most, it takes a dedicated effort toward healthy living and I hope my information has helped. I congratulate you on the blessing of a new child.

Doug Gibson
		About the author:
		Doug Gibson is a columnist for Cincy Chic and President of Sensible Fitness Personal Training Center in Blue Ash, Ohio, which specializes in women’s fitness programs. E-mail him at doug@sensiblefitness.com.
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Last update: 09-09-2008 12:20

Published in : Magazine Items, Health