Are Your Putting On Too Much Weight During Your Pregnancy?

How much weight should you gain during pregnancy?

Most ladies are weight-conscious and try to maintain a balance, just until they get pregnant. Pregnancy seems to be an excuse for many things — overeating, idling, gaining weight, and much more.

It is a scientifically proven fact that a pregnant woman must gain some weight during the period. This is mainly due to the accumulation of fats in the lower abdomen, the growth of the baby, amniotic fluid and growth of the placenta.

However, there is a limit to a normal weight gain during gestation. If care is not taken, one can add enormous amounts of weight, and when that happens shedding it off becomes a mountain to climb. Some people are left with a permanent belly after their first pregnancy while others retain a flat tummy immediately after delivery.

The situation you find yourself in is determined by what you do during your gestation period.

The Normal Weight To Gain During Pregnancy

The amount of weight that is normal to gain during pregnancy depends on your body weight. Underweight people will tend to gain more while overweight people will gain less.

For an average weight person, the weight gained during pregnancy should be between 25 and 35 pounds. Anything above 35 pounds will be going to the extreme, and shedding it off will be difficult.

This applies to people in the normal weight bracket just before the pregnancy. For individuals in the underweight bracket, the weight gain should be between 28 and 40 pounds. This is less likely to cause any serious weight issue after pregnancy and they are more likely to look healthier after delivery. For those in the overweight bracket, gaining weight should be minimised as much as possible. The weight gain should be between 15 and 25 pounds.

During the first trimester, there should be a minimum weight gain for any pregnant woman. In most cases, women lose weight due to morning sickness and skipping meals. The weight gain during this period should not be over 5 pounds.

Causes of Excessive Weight Gain During Pregnancy

Most of the weight you gain during pregnancy is related to the baby, and so, it should not be a major reason for worry. The weight will include the weight of the baby, the placenta, breast tissue, amniotic fluid and the fat store. The fat store weight is what determines whether you are gaining excess weight or not. The average fat store weight should be between 5 and 9 pounds.

You should not starve yourself to lose weight during pregnancy.

However, if your eating habits are not healthy, you are likely to gain more weight than necessary. Eat according to your normal schedules. Avoid foods that are too fatty or too sugary. Eat more vitamins from fruits and vegetables. You should also keep your body active to avoid excessive body weight. You should be up and about your normal activities during the first trimester. By the time it comes to the third trimester, you should be relaxed, but you can take strolls around to maintain the blood flow.

Dangers Of Gaining Excess Weight During Pregnancy

Gaining too much weight will put both you and your baby in danger. People who gain excess weight during pregnancy are prone to diabetes. In most cases, diabetes comes after the pregnancy.

Complications during delivery are the biggest risk of weight gain. When you gain too much weight, it is likely that your baby is oversize, and the delivery may require a C-section. To avoid such complications, it is advisable to eat healthy foods and remain active during the gestation period. The health of the baby may also be at risk if you put on too much weight. Overweight babies are more likely to suffer from diabetes in their lifetime.

Bottom Line…

Puting on weight during pregnancy is normal, however, it should not be used as an excuse to get off the balance.

You should control your food cravings and get hold of your mood swings if you want to be healthy, and recover your shape after the pregnancy.

During this period, it is your duty to make sure you are not gaining too much weight. The weight gain for women pregnant with twins may be up to 54 pounds. It is, therefore, advisable to visit your doctor and know more about your body weight and pregnancy. Your doctor will also advise on how much weight you should take on during the pregnancy.

How much weight did you put on when you were pregnant?