5 Essentials for a Healthy, Happy Plus-Size Pregnancy

While experts agree that no pregnancy diet can guarantee a perfect outcome, consuming nutritious foods does increase the odds for you and your baby to go through pregnancy problem-free. Be sure to meet with a nutritionist if you need help creating a healthy prenatal menu plan.

Exercise Regularly

Something as simple as walking briskly for 30 minutes a day may dramatically increase your ability to stay healthy throughout pregnancy. Regular physical activity can actually ward off the health problems plus-size women are more likely to encounter.

"Research clearly shows that exercise helps reduce the risks for gestational diabetes and blood pressure issues in pregnancy. In one study, obese women who exercised regularly cut their risk for gestational diabetes in half," Vireday points out.

Before you lace up your sneakers, check with your care provider to make sure exercise is safe for your pregnancy. If you didn't exercise prior to pregnancy, start with a leisurely 15-minute walk. Gradually increase your workout's intensity and duration. "Aim to exercise every day, or at least five days out the week, for 30 minutes each workout session," advises Vireday.

Show Your Style

Maybe you have heard horror stories from some plus-size women who, as recently as five years ago, were stuck with mumus and loose T-shirts as their only alternatives in maternity wear. Fortunately, times have changed. Due to popular demand, several department and clothing store chains now stock maternity sizes up to 3X, either in-store or through Internet/catalog sales. Some online-only maternity stores offer sizes up to 6X.

"Your style doesn't have to change just because you are pregnant," says Cat Tharp, owner of the Longwood, Florida-based online retailer Pickles and Ice Cream Maternity, about the new direction in plus-size maternity fashions.