Pregnant and on Bed Rest? Watch Your Weight!

Being pregnant can be one of the most wonderful experiences a woman can have. But, sometimes the ideal pregnancy goes wrong and the mom-to-be runs into a bit of trouble. Occasionally a pregnancy can become high risk, for whatever reason, which requires the mother to get put on bed rest. Many women who are pregnant with multiples will need some bed rest late in the pregnancy, but other women may need it early on to prevent premature delivery.

There are many different conditions that might create a dangerous situation during pregnancy, but whatever the reason, if you are put on bed rest, you might need to monitor your weight and adjust your eating habits. Of course, you need to continue with pre-natal vitamins and each very nutritious foods, but since the body will be at rest, you will be at risk for gaining weight quickly if you over eat. And along with possible weight gain (in addition to the normal baby weight gain) comes the ugly possibility of the formation of cellulite. Without exercise, fatty cellulite can collect in all the unsightly places none of us want to ever see it.

This can be especially troubling for older women who might already be battling with weight gain or fat distribution. However, the most important thing to remember is that the growing baby or babies in the womb is what matters most. Weight can be taken off with diet and exercise once the baby is born, but it'll be easier if you try to be careful during the pregnancy. Always do as the doctor says and consult a dietician if you are not sure how to eat a balanced nutritious diet.

If you are able to do simple exercises, like lifting light weights with your arms while lying down or even using a resistance band, it will help keep you in shape. But again, check with your doctor first. Sometimes it's necessary to lie perfectly still or flat, such as with pre-eclampsia. In a case like this, keep your mind off any weight gain and don't worry that you might get out of shape. When you have that little gem to cradle and love, you can restart your exercise regime and get back that pre-baby shape.

As anyone who has ever been pregnant already knows, a woman's body goes through tremendous changes during the pregnancy and while younger women are likely to bounce back easier, there should be no shame in having a slightly different looking body after the baby. Being a mother is a privilege and if we wear the external badge of motherhood by looking a little plumper or having stretch marks, then so be it. You didn't expect to look twenty forever, did you? Well, I think I did, but after three children, bed rest with all three, and three caesarians, I definitely don't have the body I used to. But I don't mind. I have three glorious daughters and I don't consider a few extra pounds and a few stretch marks to be that bad.