quick clicks

preconception articles

preconception q&a

community & groups

research baby names

prepare a birth plan

content channels

ip channel rss feeds

read birth stories

read parenting stories

recommended books

e-newsletters

safety recalls

ip diaries

ip store

mom of the month

dad of the month

editor's letter

letters to the editor

Expert Q&A

	By April Underwood Fitness Consultant Playa del Rey, California

I am about 12 pounds underweight right now. While everyone says they envy me, I don't feel very healthy and want to get to a normal weight before I get pregnant. I know I need to eat more calories, but won't exercising make me continue to keep weight off?

Exercise will only take weight "off" when you're in calorie deficit. That is, burning off more calories than you consume. Since you have the luxury of planning your pregnancy, take this time to refine your eating habits, reducing the amount of saturated fat, increasing your intake of nutrient dense food while eating less "dead" food, i.e. potato chips, deep fried foods, heavy oily foods, pastries and other foods high in sugar. Your fitness program should consist of a balanced strength training program, i.e. moderate weight training, Pilates, or yoga. Since your goal isn't to lose weight, avoid circuit training classes, which tend to burn a lot a calories, and 20 to 30 minutes of moderate intensity cardiovascular activity, like walking, bike riding, or swimming. Keep in mind that the higher the intensity, and the longer the activity, the more calories you will burn. Your goal is not to burn a lot of calories, but to gain strength, flexibility, and endurance. With a balance program you can have all of these without feeling underweight. Instead you'll feel stronger and will become ready to "carry" your baby.

Keep me updated regarding your progress.
April

View more Q&A by this Expert