2nd Pregnancy - how can I minimize weight damage

[SidSparrow]

I had my 1st DC 14 months ago. I wasn't exactly slim before and though I'm probably the same weight, it's my shape! I have a small frame with what feels like slabs of fat on me and cellulite legs. I had been just getting back into exercise and fell pregnant again. Planned, but I really didn't think it would happen as quickly. I hate my body more now than ever. And all I can think about is how ugly it's going to be after this pregnancy. I'm hoping once bump appears I'll forget about this. Is there anything I can do to minimize weight gain and even try and work on losing some fat? I'm going out tonight, no clothes and bursting out the ones I do have. I know this is superficial but it's getting me down. At least if I can do something to feel like I'm helping my sorry cause. I eat well but of course room for improvement. I want to exercise but not sure if it will harm baby since I wasn't overly fit before I got pregnant. Any ideas??

I ate mindfully during pregnancy and only put on a stone altogether.

I’m now 4 months post partum and am about a stone lighter than pre pregnancy.

I really struggled with nausea so trying to eat ‘right’ was hard when I could only stomach toast and digestives.

I:
Drank plenty of water as thirst is often the culprit when we think we’re hungry.
Only ate when I was actually hungry.
Ate slowly.
Stopped eating when I was full.

I think chasing around DC1 has stopped me gaining as much this time. First time round gained 3 stone and never managed to fully lose it. This time round I'm 36 weeks and only put on 9lbs. DD1 never stops so i'm always on the go. Try to stay as active as you can and hopefully the same will happen with you

You don't actually say whether or not you're overweight. If not, you should aim to gain about a stone and a half. If you had started to exercise before pregnancy you can keep that up. You could also try something like prenatal yoga.