Q&A: How can I avoid gaining too much weight during pregnancy?

Your weight is a little ahead of schedule: Usually a weight gain of between 25 and 30 pounds is considered normal for the entire pregnancy. But each woman is different; it could be that you gain more than average. If you don't have diabetes and if the weight gain isn't due to swelling, you're still OK. Still, take a look at your diet, consider whether your extra pounds are from healthy food choices or if you've been indulging in too many high-calorie foods. If you've given in to cookie cravings too often, you might think about how to curb the hunger with a healthier food choice.

Another thought: You might also consider getting back into a reasonable weight gain progression by going on a 2,000-calorie American Dietetic Association (ADA) diet. This is a diet used by diabetics, but it is excellent to keep runaway pounds at bay for anyone who's pregnant. It's a low sugar, high protein diet, and includes a LOT of food, so you're not going to be suffering.

Ask your healthcare provider to refer you to a dietitian for more information.