Full & Fabulous

Nabila Mayet-Cassim says you can carry a baby, be healthy and look great if you have a few extra curves here and there

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No doubt, during pregnany the expectant mom will gain a few extra kilograms. But what if she was a bit more curvy to begin with? Does this mean she is not allowed to relish in her achievement and enjoy every last curve, bump and moment of pregnancy glow? Not in the least!

When we talk about plus-size moms, what exactly do we mean? Dr Nazmeera Gani explains, “Plus size refers to a person that has a Body Mass Index (BMI) of more than 26.” In simple terms this measurement is your weight in relation to your height and it is often used by medical practitioners to determine whether you are underweight, a healthy weight or obese.

EATING FOR TWO YOU 

“Being supported by a medical team (gynaecologist, birthing doula, etc.) is vital for a woman to understand that her body has not only managed to achieve the colossal task of falling pregnant and the continuous miracle growing inside of her, but also that the extra weight is a small sacrifice for the new growing life,” adds Elania Kolokotronis.

Gani adds that it is a myth that pregnant women are eating for two and advises eating small nutritious meals often. Include low-GI foods, protein, fibre, calciumrich food and fruits that are low in fat but increase satiety. Water is an essential ingredient to a healthy meal plan. She urges pregnant women to consume less unhealthy fried and sugary foods as well as junk food.

“Plus size to me is a state of mind,” adds Kolokotronis, a clinical nutritionist. “It’s important to not take reality/celebrity shows too seriously.” Those unrealistic ideals end up making women feel bad about their bodies when they should be focusing on their body’s amazing ability to nurture the life growing inside of them.