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I was ten stones before I became pregnant with my first child and after giving birth to him my weight was 12 stones. My mother advised me to be limited with my food intake, as the child will receive all the supply of food through me. I (as children do) ignored my mother and went on eating for two, because I wanted my child to be healthy and if it meant that I was to over-eat then that is exactly what I was going to do. What does my mother know, after having six kids of her own, eh?

I would over-eat, which would leave me gasping for air, and I would find it hard to relax as my stomach was too heavy with too much food and the growing baby.

My cravings were endless and all for fatty foods. One minute I would crave for Doner Kebab the next for fish and chips. Of course, I couldn't keep the food in for long but while I over-ate my size 10 frame went to size 16. At the time, I didn't care. I was too busy trying to make sure that my child had enough food to survive on.

One day, eight months into my pregnancy, I looked at myself in the mirror and was absolutely shocked at what was looking back. I couldn't believe that I had gone so big, I hadn't realized how and when it happened. But it did. That was the most depressing time throughout my pregnancy. I wasn't glowing or looking beautiful in anyway. I felt so ugly. So I booked in an appointment at the hairdressers to cheer myself up. After getting my hair done, I went back to the same mirror to find that nothing had changed. I didn't look any better and started wailing like a baby. Oh, I cried so much.

My depression turned to anger and I vented it out on my husband, who was patient enough to understand that maybe I was just going through a phase. I didn't want him to see me like I was. I always imagined that my husband would find me beautiful no matter what and he proved that to me, because we were still very active in our private life. Yet, my own confidence let me down so much.

I am 13 stones now and have two children. I have tried so many diets but all have failed beyond improvement. My confidence has also been affected because of my weight.

I do Pilate's. Out of all the exercises that I have tried, Pilate's is the best form of exercise (well for me it has been). So, if your a mother who wants to lose weight definitely try this out. You can find out more information by googling Pilate's. I have seen an improvement since starting this form of exercise.

My advice to anyone would be the exact words of my mother - don't over-eat when pregnant assuming that your child needs the extra food, because it will only affect your weight not the health and well-being of your child. I'm not saying don't eat at all. Do eat but just as much as you can be satisfied with.

Learn more about this author, Surma Chowdhury.
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