The average woman gains 25 to 35 pounds during a pregnancy, according to the Mayo Clinic. Once the baby is born, the key to losing weight is to not overdo it. Rather than trying to imitate celebrities and lose all the weight in just a few weeks, follow a steady but sensible plan and the pounds will melt off on their own.
Step 1
Catnap throughout the day. Lack of sleep can lead to weight gain, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Chances are the baby is keeping you up at night, so make up for it by napping when the baby does.
Step 2
Keep healthy snacks around the house. Chances are you won't be doing a lot of cooking, especially during the first few weeks after the baby is born. Frozen vegetables, canned soups (look for low sodium content), cereals and low-fat dairy products will give you lots of nutrition with a low calorie count.
Step 3
Consider breastfeeding. Besides being a healthy choice, it also burns between 200 and 500 calories a day, according to AHealthyMe.com
Step 4
Drink lots of water. It will keep you hydrated and increase your energy level, so you can keep up with the baby. Water also fills you up, so you will eat less by the end of the day. Aim for at least eight glasses a day.
Step 5
Take a mom and baby fitness class or a water workout session (done in the pool). If you're not ready to leave the baby home just yet, try a fitness class where babies are welcome. Not only are these classes a great chance to bond, but they also provide positive stimulation for the baby and exercise for the mother.
Step 6
Buy a sports baby stroller that allows you to jog easily on paved surfaces and adds some resistance to your workout. If you prefer biking, there are bike trailers that can be attached to the back of your bike so you can take your child along.
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