Pregnancy is a blessing but the weight you gain during that entire 9 month period is quite stubborn to lose. And if you are under pressure after watching celeb mothers getting back to their pre-pregnancy bodies overnight, do not fret.

If you are a new mother hoping to fit back in your old pair of jeans, read on to understand how your body changes through the pregnancy and ways to lose those extra kilograms.

The weight gain during pregnancy generally consists weight of the baby, amniotic fluid, more blood, placenta and extra fat stores. While most women lose half the post-partum weight within 5-6 months, some may take a few more months.

During pregnancy, the body experiences various changes to nurture a new life. Normal or caesarean delivery, adjusting to a new routine with the baby mount more pressure.

So instead of being too hard on yourself, learn to be patient.

Here are a few tips to follow to shed those extra pounds to get back into shape, to ensure safe motherhood and lifelong good health.

Munch on Super Foods:

Plan your diet chart including superfoods like brown rice, green tea, flax seeds, leafy green veggies, etc. Do not skip meals or crash diet. Eat light and divide your food into 5-6 small meals. Limit your intake of soda, juices, sweets and high-calorie foods. As the intake of milk or dairy products is suggested for breastfeeding, opt for the low-fat ones.

Breastfeeding:

Feeding your baby with breast milk is not only beneficial for your little one, but also a highly effective way for you to lose weight. Breastfeeding plays a key role in reducing the size of the uterus after childbirth. It not only provides nutrition and promote your baby’s immunity but also reduces your risk of contracting ovarian cancer, breast cancer, type 2 diabetes and post-natal depression.

Slowly Start Exercising:

Many mothers can start exercising 6 weeks after the delivery and talk to your doctor before starting to workout. Several studies suggest aerobics, cardio, strength training and other sporty activities helps not only in shedding your fat but also treats your depression, improves your sleep pattern and relieve stress.

Hydration Is The Key:

Drinking water and healthy detox drinks help to flush out those harmful toxins from the body and improve metabolism. A glass of water before a meal also keeps your tummy full and avoids overeating.

Sound Sleep:

A tired sleep-deprived body releases a stress hormone called cortisol which increases late-night binging and promotes weight gain. Although it seems like an unmanageable task to get a sound sleep every night, studies suggest managing to sleep for at least 6-7 hours reduces stress and helps you lose weight faster.