Key points
- Regular exercise lowers the risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia and cesarean birth.
- Build your plate: ½ vegetables, ¼ lean protein, ¼ high-fiber carbohydrates.
- If your baby is moving less than usual, go to Labor & Delivery right away — do not wait.
Why does exercise matter so much now?
Regular exercise lowers the risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, excess weight gain and cesarean delivery. It also improves sleep, mood, back pain and stamina for labor. Pilates, prenatal yoga and daily stretching keep your hips and back flexible as your body changes.
What does a healthy pregnancy plate look like?
- ½ plate: non-starchy vegetables (leafy greens, broccoli, peppers, green beans)
- ¼ plate: lean protein (chicken, fish, eggs, beans, tofu, Greek yogurt)
- ¼ plate: high-fiber carbohydrates (brown rice, whole wheat, sweet potato, quinoa)
- Water as your main drink
Why is gaining too much weight a concern?
Gaining more than recommended raises the risk of:
- Gestational diabetes and preeclampsia (high blood pressure in pregnancy)
- Macrosomia — a baby who is larger than average
- Shoulder dystocia — the baby’s shoulder gets stuck during birth
- Cesarean delivery
- Extra weight that is harder to lose after delivery
If you are gaining faster than expected, we will make a plan together. Please do not diet or skip meals during pregnancy.
What should I know about my baby’s movements?
Your baby’s kicks will become stronger and more regular. Learn your baby’s normal pattern. Formal kick counts start around 28 weeks. If you ever notice your baby moving less than usual, go to Labor & Delivery — do not wait. Understanding your baby’s movements.
What is coming next?
Your glucose screening for gestational diabetes is due between 24 and 28 weeks.
Next visit: About 4 weeks.
Go to Labor & Delivery right away for heavy vaginal bleeding, leaking fluid, decreased fetal movement, severe headache or vision changes, severe abdominal pain, or regular contractions before 37 weeks. Do not wait for a callback. HCA Florida University Hospital Labor & Delivery, 3476 S University Dr, Davie, FL 33328 · 954-475-5758. In an emergency, call 911. When to call or go to the hospital.
Important: This information is general education about a typical pregnancy. It is not medical advice and may not apply to you. Every patient’s care is personalized to her own health history, test results and needs, so your plan may differ from what is described here. Always follow the instructions your doctor gives you. Questions? Call Davie ObGyn at 954-880-1010. Do not use a routine online message for urgent symptoms.
Medically reviewed by Rahil Malik, MD, FACOG, board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist. Last reviewed: October 7, 2026. Content follows current recommendations of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). This page is general information and does not replace a visit with your doctor.