Pregnancy Weight GainGaining extra weight is a problem for several women during pregnancy. A good way to find out whether the weight you have put is healthy or over the limit is to consider your
pre-pregnancy weight and if that weight was appropriate for your height. The height-weight ratio is expressed through BMI or body mass index. It is believed that if you were underweight as per your height, then your
weight gain during pregnancy should be between 28 to 40 pounds. If you were overweight, then your weight gain during pregnancy should be about 15 to 25 pounds. And if you were obese when you conceived, then you should gain about 11 to 20 pounds. If you are expecting twins, then you should gain about 37 to 54 pounds, especially if you started at a healthy weight.
While gaining excess weight might be worrisome, you can to a certain extent keep your weight under control by eating a healthy diet. Include foods that are fresh, and eat a lot of fresh vegetables and fruits to avoid
excessive weight gain during pregnancy. You may want to cook from scratch instead of eating packaged and processed meals or rich restaurant food. Cook with just a small bit of oil, and use other methods such as boiling, grilling and baking. You can also speak with your doctor or mid-wife about an exercise program. You can work in exercises such as walking, yoga, Pilates, swimming. You also don’t have to eat for two just because you are pregnant. You just need about 300 calories more, and even less when you are in your first trimester.
Gaining extra weight: Research has shown that women who have excessive weight gain during pregnancy are at a risk of having a caesarean delivery. Women who start their pregnancies with the excess baggage of weight are at a greater risk of getting preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. Also, the babies of overweight women might be quite large at birth and this can cause labor complications for baby and mother. It is believed that overweight women have difficulties starting as well as continuing breastfeeding. Underweight women also have problems during pregnancy, and are at a risk of delivering a baby with low birth weight or a preterm infant.
Struggling with weight and self-body image: Do remember that some weight gain is fine during pregnancy. And, after you deliver, you will lose some of the weight. If you want to lose weight after the delivery, take it slow. Slowly, with your doctor’s advice, include exercise in your routine and eat healthy.
Submitted by P T on June 11, 2010 at 01:13
Read more questions in Pregnancy Conditions