How is it that celebrity moms don't seem to have as difficult a time regaining their pre-pregnancy figures as the rest of us? The reason is they tend not to gain any unnecessary weight. Extra weight is that amount of weight above what is needed to form the baby, placenta, womb, and extra blood supply. Plenty of doctors feel that most women can avoid excess weight gain and still have a healthy child. These tips will tell you how to avoid excess weight gain.

Healthy Weight Gain vs. Extra

The first step is to understand the difference between normal pregnancy weight gain that will naturally go away after you give birth, and too much weight gain. During the course of her pregnancy, an average woman should gain 25-35 pounds, an overweight woman should gain 15-25 pounds, and an underweight woman should gain 28-40 pounds. Usually these extra pounds are gained gradually over the entire pregnancy. In the first trimester, women lose 2 to 4 pounds, and then gain 1 to 2 pounds a week after that for the duration of the pregnancy.

Why is it necessary to gain this weight? These extra pounds account for your baby, your uterus, tissues, and other parts that are required for a healthy baby to develop. The following is a detailed list of the extra pounds you will gain:

• The baby will grow to around 7 to 8 pounds while the uterus will grow between 2 to 5 pounds.

• The amniotic fluid weighs 2 or 3 pounds.

• Your breast tissue expands and weighs an extra 2 to 3 pounds, and the fat stored for delivery and breast feeding weighs between 5 and 9 pounds.

• The baby's blood supply weighs about 4 pounds.

Any weight added beyond these pounds is considered extra weight and is difficult to lose after your pregnancy.

Eating for Two

It is untrue that a pregnant women needs to eat enough for two. All this will accomplish is extra weight gain. Celebrities are aware that a healthy pregnant woman needs only an extra 100 to 300 calories daily. This can be achieved with a bowl of cereal and an apple. No matter how disappointing this is, eating more than this just means your body is storing extra fat. The excess weight may not be noticeable while you're pregnant, but when you try to fit into your pre-pregnancy clothes they will be.

To be sure you don't put on any excess weight, you should avoid indulging. Eat healthy foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, and whole wheat breads. Not only does this help keep you in shape, but it also provides proper nutrition for your child.

Move that Baby Bump

Almost every celebrity pregnancy photo shows the expecting mother taking a walk. Do you know why? The medical profession supports healthy pregnant women exercising. A long walk will burn off those extra calories from satisfying your cravings as well as stimulate blood flow which helps to balance out mood swings. Note: These tips only apply to women who are healthy and have discussed weight gain during pregnancy with their doctors. Avoiding weight gain may lead to unhealthy side effects on both mother and child. Again, consult with your physician.