Concerns about weight gain

Rapid weight gain of more than two pounds a week is of concern because it could signify excess fluid retention. As you have checked with your doctor, this is not the case, which is why I agree with your husband and doctor - don't worry about your weight gain over the past month. Holidays are often a time when we all put on weight. My guess is that the weight you have gained is due in part to the good holiday, but also to your pregnancy. The fourth month of pregnancy is a time when the rate of weight gain picks up and is even slightly greater than during the third trimester.

Now that the holidays have passed, you won't have to worry about the temptations of unnecessary treats and you can focus on eating a healthy diet that will provide optimal nutrition for you and your baby. Every day, make sure you include three servings of low-fat calcium-rich foods like yoghurt and skimmed milk. Have six or more servings of fruit and vegetables, particularly those high in folic acid (orange juice, spinach) and vitamin C (orange juice, sweet peppers, melon, broccoli). Have seven servings of wholegrains and three servings of lean meat, fish or poultry. Be sure to have two fish meals per week, but not tuna or swordfish, which are apt to contain heavy metals, as fish provides important omega 3 fatty acids, and, very importantly, drink plenty of fluids.

Relax about your weight gain. No doubt, with the decrease in sweets, your weight gain will fall off a little, although hopefully not too much. Your baby is depending on you not to worry so much about how much weight you gain, but to concentrate on how well you are eating.