How Much Weight Did You Gain During Your First Trimester of Pregnancy?
Contrary to popular misconception, pregnancy doesn’t mean that you need to start eating for two or that you have the freedom to eat as much as you want and whatever you desire. In pregnancy, it is true that it is important to gain weight, however what is more important is how much weight you are supposed to gain. Gaining weight in the right way is the key to a healthy pregnancy.
It is vital to gain weight in order to nourish your baby and build up reserves for breast feeding. Before planning your pregnancy, you need to get your weight to the desired level and in proportion to your height. Pregnancy weight gain depends on what your pre-pregnancy weight was.
In your first trimester, you do not gain much as your baby is as small as a pea. However, the second and third trimesters are the ones when you tend to gain weight rapidly because your baby is also developing inside. On an average, an overall weight gain of five to six pounds in your entire pregnancy is considered normal.
In case you have been overweight before your pregnancy, you need to limit the weight gain during pregnancy as excess weight gain can lead to health issues like blood pressure, diabetes, back pain, leg pain, varicose veins, fatigue, and also a risk of having a very big baby.
Women who were underweight before getting pregnant need to follow a healthy diet so that they are closer to their ideal body weight before the end of the first trimester. This can be a little difficult if you are having morning sickness and nausea. Being underweight can cause a risk of having a small baby and small babies tend to have lot of health issues in the long run.
The golden rule to follow during pregnancy is to eat right and sensibly so that you do not deprive your baby or yourself of any nutrition and at the same time manage your weight gain as well. Include lots of fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, and legumes in your diet. Eat a balanced and nutritious diet. Avoid dieting while you are pregnant as it can have grave effects on both you and your baby. Occasional indulgences are considered normal but ensure that this occasional indulgence doesn’t become regular.
Remember, the extra weight that you gain during pregnancy will easily show on your body once you deliver your baby and losing those extra pounds in the early days of motherhood may not be easy. So eat healthy and stay healthy.
Submitted by P T on January 27, 2010 at 12:16
