"Extra weight" refers to weight that is not gained by the forming of the baby, its blood supply, womb, and placenta. Many doctors believe that healthy women can have a healthy baby without gaining any extra and unnecessary weight. The following advice will help to keep extra pounds off.

Normal vs. Excessive Weight Gain

Normal weight gain will slowly melt away after the baby's birth, but extra weight gain will remain for a much longer period. During pregnancy, if you are at a healthy weight, you should gain 25 to 35 pounds; if you are underweight, you should gain 28 to 40 pounds; and an overweight woman should gain 15 to 25 pounds. These pounds should be gained gradually throughout the pregnancy. The first trimester sees a loss of 2-4 pounds, and then 1 or 2 pounds a week are gained after that until a woman reaches full-term.

What, exactly, does all that extra weight do? This is the weight of not only your growing baby, but your uterus, inner tissues and more bodily resources that are needed to make your baby grow healthily. This is a pound-by-pound breakdown of that extra weight:

? The baby weighs about 7 or 8 pounds and your uterus accounts for 2 to 5 more pounds.

? The placenta, which surrounds the baby, accounts for 2 to 3 pounds.

? Expanding breast tissue should weigh around 2 to 3 pounds, and the fat stored for breast feeding and delivery should weigh around 5 to 9 pounds.

? The amniotic fluid should weigh 2 to 3 pounds.

? The baby's blood supply should weigh about 4 pounds.

Generally speaking, anything more than this is superfluous weight that a baby really doesn't need to thrive. This weight is what women find the most difficult to lose after the baby comes.

Eating for Two

"Eating For Two" is a myth that can encourage expecting mothers to gain extra unnecessary weight. The fittest celebrity moms know that women only need an extra 100 to 300 calories per day for the development of a healthy baby. This amounts to about an apple and a bowl of cereal. It might disappoint you to know, but if you are eating portions larger than that, your body is more than likely storing those extra calories as fat. You probably won't notice the extra fat while you are pregnant, but you certainly will when you are trying your hardest to fit into your pre-pregnancy jeans.

In order to keep yourself from gaining unwanted weight, you must try your hardest not to indulge in those pregnancy cravings. Start making healthier food choices, such as eating fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats and whole wheat bread. This good nutrition is essential for your developing baby, and has the added benefit of helping to keep your body in good shape.

Move that Baby Bump

Have you ever noticed that the pictures of pregnant celebrities usually show them out walking? Ever think about why that is? Medical experts agree that normal exercise is fine for healthy, pregnant women. Going for lengthy walks is great for burning off those extra calories consumed during cravings for sweets, and getting your circulation going helps to regulate mood swings. Just another celebrity secret!

Keep in mind that these tips are only for healthy women who have discussed the pros and cons of gaining extra weight during pregnancy with their doctors. It is not advised that women try to avoid gaining weight while pregnant. Not gaining enough weight during pregnancy can cause unhealthy side effects for the mother and baby. Just be sure to check with your doctor before beginning any weight loss or exercise routine, especially while expecting!