getting fat...

[ParsleyCake]

I've started getting really chubby in the thighs, upper arms and face/neck. I'm wondering if there is anything I can do? I feel like I'll endanger the baby by working out or dieting - I'm already following a diet plan for pregnancy.

I'm 25 weeks along :)

Can you ask your midwife for tips?

Swimming a good one or walking?

Could be water retention though I wouldn't restrict foods in pregnancy though.

You won't endanger the baby by working out appropriately...If it's excess weight then just eat well and healthy, if it's fluid there's nothing you can do, except drink water and keep up regular exercise. So either way, exercise is good if you can physically do it.

Have you actually gained lots of weight, given that it sounds like you're trying to be quite healthy already? Some women are also less lucky than others in fluid retention, which you can't do loads about - though some exercise (not anything more than you were doing pre pregnancy, but there's no need to be afraid of it!), a healthy diet and drinking lots of fluids can help. Or if you gained a bit of extra early on through nausea-eating or general hunger you can try to slow down weigh gain a bit, but can't look to lose.

The exception usually if you started out over or underweight, then the rules can be a but different around weight gain, or if you're having any other health issues - probably worth talking to your midwife or doctor about!

If you've gained more than 4 stone I might go for a swim and lay off the cheese balls. Then again, I might not... You're growing å human and all bets are off. Eat healthy if it's bothering you, but I must say, cheese and crisps were my go to.

Come off it. You're pregnant, not fat. Enjoy.

I'm 26 wks and in the same boat. Last pregnancy I put on a total of 5 stone and I am trying not to do so this time, but I'm just hungry and craving sugary things that I never usually eat!

I am trying to drink more water and eat regularly so I don't snack on crap in the evenings, that's my dangerous time.

The bad news is that from here til the end it's harder to avoid bloating, leg cramps, chubby face, swollen joints... the good news is you get a lovely sweet baby at the end and if it's like my first, I'll lose it all within a few months pushing buggy around as it's the only place last one slept!

Just try to stay healthy for its own sake too iyswim - so you'll be healthier for the birth and feel happier until the end.

Try some gentle exercise - the NHS says it's fine and can even help you have an easier birth: www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/pregnancy-exercise.aspx
I'm doing pregnancy yoga, you could also try antenatal aqua aerobics, or even just taking a walk is all good. I don't know about you, but I find when I exercise I tend to make healthier food choices anyway, so that might be a better way than trying to diet/restrict your food at this time.

Having said that, I'm nearly 27 weeks and getting noticeably fat in the face (oh joy) despite doing yoga and a gentle gym session at least once a week, so it might just be water retention/one of those things...