Sound help for mums-to-be
PREGNANCY is a time of change as hormone levels and body shape alters and, for some, unwelcome cravings or nausea appear.
Celebrities and young mums like Kerry Katona and Jordan seem to bounce back very quickly after giving birth and ditch the extra pounds gained with apparent ease.
But even though there's a lot of focus on weight gain and loss in pregnancy health charities say the emphasis should be on seeing this time as an opportunity to eat properly for the sake of the baby's healthy development in the womb.
Heart Research UK is urging women to follow healthy lifestyle advice to get their lifestyle on track before their baby arrives.
The charity warns that eating food high in trans-fats - the type of fats found in biscuits, cakes, pastry-based products, popcorn, chips and crackers is bad for health as these fats increase the risk of developing heart disease.
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Trans fats can be formed when liquid vegetable oils are turned into solid fats through the process of hydrogenation.
A recent study at the University of Sao Paolo in Brazil suggests that trans fats should be avoided during pregnancy, as they could result a higher body fat content for the baby.
If they are not listed on the nutrition composition of a product, check the ingredients label for hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated vegetable oil as these should be avoided.
Better still Heart Research UK says is to bake and cook from scratch using healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats such as olive oil and rapeseed oil, sunflower oil and soya oil.
And it's also advisable to reach for fruit or vegetables or a drink of water whenever you feel peckish.
Mums-to-be are also urged to keep exercising regularly as research shows that your baby's heart will get a workout too, giving it a good healthy start.
Swimming and aqua-aerobic classes are a great way to get that heart pumping while minimizing joint strain and supporting your growing bump.
Check with your midwife for the best exercise level for you as maintaining a good level of fitness will help you cope better physically and emotionally with the demands of a newborn baby.
Research shows that women whose mothers' smoked while pregnant were more likely to reach the menopause early, which is a stage in a woman's life beyond which her risk of heart disease increases.
For more advice about healthy living, contact Heart Research UK on 0113 234 7474 or email lifestyle@heartresearch.org.uk for additional information.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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