You’re pregnant? Congratulations! There’s nothing more beautiful than bringing a new life into the world. But you’re worried about weight gain, especially since you naturally tend to carry weight in your thighs… So how can you take these changes in your stride and look after your legs during pregnancy?
Slimming your thighs during pregnancy: is it recommended?
It is completely normal to gain weight during pregnancy. This weight gain is partly due to the foetus itself, but also to the physical changes that come with pregnancy:
- weight of the placenta, amniotic fluid, umbilical cord and membranes;
- increased volume of the breasts and uterus;
- fat storage as an energy reserve (and it’s very much needed!);
- water retention caused by hormonal activity.
It is therefore perfectly normal to gain a little “volume” during pregnancy, and for this to be noticeable in the thighs.
The prevailing recommendation is to make peace with your body throughout your pregnancy. No, it is absolutely out of the question to go on a diet while expecting a baby, even if you feel like you’re gaining a lot of weight. Your baby needs the calories, vitamins and minerals you provide through your diet.
If you’re concerned about the number of kilos you’ve gained, it’s best to speak to a healthcare professional. They will most likely put your mind at ease. For reference, the recommended weight gain during pregnancy depends on your health status and pre-pregnancy BMI, and typically ranges between 8 and 18 kg.
How to avoid gaining too much in the thighs during pregnancy?
With those recommendations in mind, here are a few tips to help you approach this time calmly and take care of your thighs.
Tip 1: let go of common misconceptions
You probably know the one we’re referring to… “When you’re pregnant, you need to eat for two” is a misconception. Simply eating to satisfy your hunger, without overeating (normal portions, 3–4 meals a day), with a varied diet, is enough to support your health and your baby’s. Excessive weight gain isn’t without consequences, for you or for your baby: talk to your midwife or doctor, who will keep an eye on your weight throughout your pregnancy and can advise you based on your own circumstances.
Tip 2: pay attention to the quality of your diet
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A tip that follows on from the first. For your wellbeing and your baby’s, it’s important to choose what you eat wisely. Cut back on sugary foods, saturated fats and too much salt, especially if you’re prone to water retention. Opt instead for lean proteins (white meat, fish and eggs, all thoroughly cooked), plenty of fruit and vegetables, dairy products and low-GI complex carbohydrates (wholegrains, pulses, root vegetables). What about healthy fats? You need those too. Good-quality fats (avocado, nuts and seeds, oily fish) have their rightful place in a pregnant woman’s diet. Your midwife or doctor can give you further advice.
Tip 3: keep moving
During pregnancy, it’s important to keep moving. Pregnancy is no reason to stop being active. Quite the opposite, unless your doctor advises otherwise. Some sports are obviously best avoided, such as team sports (risk of knocks), horse riding, downhill skiing, mountain biking (watch out for jolts and falls) or combat sports. On the other hand, gentle activities such as swimming and aqua exercise, yoga, Pilates and walking are a good choice. The benefits are many:
- managing weight gain more easily (including in the thighs);
- getting back to your ideal weight more easily after giving birth;
- reducing the feeling of heavy legs and swelling in the legs and thighs;
- preparing for childbirth;
- maintaining good breathing and stamina;
- reducing discomfort (particularly back pain);
- keeping muscles toned.
Tip 4: massage your legs and thighs
Pregnancy is also a wonderful opportunity to pamper yourself and enjoy a little self-care. And if it can be both practical and pleasant, even better! Swollen legs and thighs can be common at this time. You can pair healthy lifestyle habits with a daily massage. Be careful not to use just any cosmetic product, as some aren’t suitable during pregnancy. If you have any doubts about a product, ask a healthcare professional. We suggest a natural plant oil instead, applied every day from the ankles up to the hips using long, smoothing strokes. These massages can become part of a routine focused on cellulite and stretch marks. You can also add small habits to your daily massage, such as a cold water rinse on your legs every time you shower, if that suits you.
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal for your thighs to get bigger during pregnancy?
Yes. During pregnancy, your body builds up reserves, particularly around the hips and thighs, and hormones can cause it to hold on to more water, so some extra volume is normal. However, if swelling appears suddenly, or comes with headaches or problems with your vision, seek medical advice straight away.
Do you need to eat for two when you’re pregnant?
No, that’s a myth. Your needs only increase moderately, and mainly towards the end of pregnancy. It’s better to eat when you’re hungry, keep your diet varied and focus on the quality of your food rather than the quantity. If you’re not sure how to adapt your meals, ask your midwife or doctor for advice.
Can you massage your legs during pregnancy?
Yes. A gentle massage with a plant oil suitable for pregnancy can be part of your routine, working upwards from the ankles to the hips. However, some cosmetics and most essential oils aren’t recommended during pregnancy, so if you’re unsure about a product, or if you have varicose veins, ask your midwife or doctor.
What should I do if I’m worried about my weight gain during pregnancy?
The best thing to do is talk to a healthcare professional. They can take your individual circumstances into account and answer your questions. Avoid starting a diet or making big changes to what you eat without medical advice.
Related articles
- How to slim down your thighs?
- Thighs: exercises, nutrition and skincare
- 6 stretching exercises to slim your thighs
Useful categories: Slimming the Thighs, Slimming by Body Area.
To go further, explore the Cellublue shop: our body care products.
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