Weight Planning - Managing The Pregnancy Weight Gain

Pregnancy weight needs careful attention as it influences the health of the mother as well as that of the child. It is a proven fact that the weight of a woman has a significant impact on her chances to get pregnant. Underweight as well as overweight women have fewer chances for pregnancy as the fertility of a woman is influenced by her weight.

Underweight women run the risk of delivering smaller babies as well as pre-term babies. Low birth weight babies have a higher rate of mortality than normal babies. These babies have a higher chance for developmental disorders and suffer ill health frequently. Overweight women run the risk of developing complications such as diabetes, hypertension, hemorrhage, difficult labor, varicose veins, backache, extreme tiredness, and have an increased chance for neural tube defect in the fetus.

Weight And Pregnancy

Pregnancy planning stage will be the ideal time to get yourself in shape ensuring that you are neither too thin nor obese. A woman with normal weight has better chances for conception as well as developing healthy babies. Losing weight during pregnancy may be harmful for the baby, so ensure that with the right diet and exercise you have the right weight for your height during pre pregnancy phase.

Different Weights to Put On During Pregnancy

Pregnancy weight is something that many women are worried about. It is normal for a woman [body mass index between 20 and 27] to gain between 25 and 35 pounds during pregnancy. The average woman gains around 4 to 6 pounds during the first trimester and then around a pound each week. If a woman gains more than 5 pounds in a week it is necessary to consult your physician immediately as it may be a sign of pre-eclampsia. Similarly no weight gain over a period of 2 weeks or more during the second and third trimester needs to be monitored. Under weight women whose body mass index is below 20, may gain between 28 and 40 pounds. If the woman is overweight with a body mass index above 27 she can gain between 15 and 25 pounds. If you are obese with a body mass index more than 29 you may gain 15 pounds during pregnancy. A normal weight woman may gain 35 to 45 pounds in the case of twin pregnancy. Pregnancy weight gain is a healthy process that you need not worry about, as with proper exercise and adhering to a nutritious diet you may lose it in no time after delivery.

The baby usually weighs around 7 to 7.5 pounds; amniotic fluid makes up 2 pounds, as does the placenta, 4 pounds of fluids, 2 pounds of extra breast tissue, uterine tissue and blood, and about 7 pounds of fat. Thus you may start losing within the first few weeks after delivery and if you do regular exercise and breastfeed your child it may get easier to manage your pregnancy weight and get back your normal weight.

Meals to Control Your Weight Gain

It is therefore important to eat nutritious and balanced meals that help to maintain your weight gain during pregnancy. Eat plenty of green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits, foods rich in iron, folic acid, calcium, vitamin b etc. Doctors usually recommend supplements of folic acid and multi-vitamins to ensure the healthy development of the baby. Do not eat junk food catering to your taste but choose foods wisely, foods that are nourishing and satisfying. Be sure to watch out for the list of foods that you have to avoid such as undercooked meat and eggs, soft cheese, raw fish etc.

The rate at which women gain their pregnancy weight varies among different women, so do not worry unless it is extreme, either too much too soon or too less for a longer period of time. Visit the physician regularly and monitor your pregnancy weight as well as health.