pregnacy and weight gain

Question
Hello, my name is Teresa and my question is, I am pregnant with my second child.  I never ate right before I was pregnant.  I use to not eat hardley anything.  Now that I am pregnant I am gaining weight like crazy because I am eating.  Have I really messed my body up by doing that?  I am 18 weeks pregnant and weigh 129.  I am only 5'0 ft tall.  I try to eat healthy but its like as soon as I look at something I gain now.

Answer
Teresa,
You NEED the calories for a healthy pregnancy that is for sure!!  It is hard for me to evaluate what you are doing or eating without knowing specifics.  Keep in mind healthy eating, eating from ALL of the food groups daily, cutting back on high sugary foods/high fat/high calorie foods, fast foods, soft drinks, etc...  The best way to eat is 5-6 small meals per day!  Don't forget how important water is too.  
You should ask your doctor about exercise.  Something as easy as walking can be very helpful.  The goal for weight gain during pregnancy, for a healthy women of normal weight, is about 25-35 pounds.  
I highly suggest buying my newest book, "The Everything Pregnancy Nutrition Book".  You can find it at my site: www.Nutrifocus.net or go directly to www.amazon.com.  It can help you to understand what and how much you should be eating for a healthy pregnancy!  If you need additional help, ask your doctor for a referral to a dietitian that specializes in pregnancy nutrition.
Thanks and good luck!
Kim Tessmer, RD LD
www.Nutrifocus.net

1. Prev:A Healthy way of life
2. Next:ms and diet