Hitch Fit Living Magazine Volume 4 - January/February 2016

How much weight should I expect to gain? The answer to this varies, as it really depends on your size and BMI pre-pregnancy. There is no definitive answer as every woman is different in their journey, but there are certainly some guidelines. Here is a summary of weight gain guidelines for a single baby based on your BMI: • If your BMI is less than 18.5: Gain 28 to 40 pounds • If your BMI is 18.5 to 24.9: Gain 25 to 35 pounds • If your BMI is 25 to 29.9: Gain 15 to 25 pounds • If your BMI is 30 or greater: Gain 11-20 pounds Here is a summary of weight gain guidelines for twins: • If your BMI is less than 18.5: Ask your doctor • If your BMI is 18.5 to 24.9: Gain 37 to 54 pounds • If your BMI is 25 to 29.9: Gain 31 to 50 pounds • If your BMI is 30 or greater: Gain 25 to 42 pounds BMI calculator: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/lose_wt/BMI/bmicalc.htm Another common question I get is about exercise. There seems to be a common misconception about how much activity a woman should be doing during pregnancy. Sometimes I will get asked “should you be doing/lifting that?” or I will hear “good for you!” It can get confusing with so many conflicting opinions so let’s clarify. Can I exercise and what exercises are safe? The answer to this really depends on what you were doing BEFORE you got pregnant. As ALWAYS, make sure to consult your own doctor first! As a general rule, you can do what you were doing before you got pregnant! If you were already accustomed to running or lifting weight then by all means you should still be able to do so! Try exercises such as walking, swimming, yoga, strength training, and low-impact aerobics.

Hitch Fit Living Magazine Volume 4 - January/February 2016 | Page 47