Table of Contents
Introduction
Did you know that more than two-thirds of pregnant women experience weight gain after pregnancy?
The Journal of the American Medical Association affirms that more than two-thirds of women gain excessive weight during pregnancy.
Although some weight is dropped right after giving birth, many women struggle to lose the rest, and some even put on weight during the postpartum period.
Postpartum weight gain can have negative impacts on a woman’s physical and mental health, making it important to understand the causes and potential solutions.
Let us explore the causes of weight gain in this blog.
Is it normal to gain weight after delivery?
Yes, gaining weight after birth is typical. The body goes through many changes throughout pregnancy to assist the growth and development of the fetus, including weight gain.
The body adjusts after delivery as it returns to how it was before becoming pregnant.
But excessive weight gain can harm a woman’s physical and mental health, so it’s crucial to deal with the root causes and take action to get back to a healthy weight after giving birth.
9 causes for weight gain after pregnancy
There are various causes of postpartum weight gain, including:
1. Changes in hormones:
A woman’s body undergoes hormonal changes during delivery, which might result in weight gain.
Alterations in estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol levels are examples of these alterations.
2. Sleep deprivation:
Caring for a baby can be exhausting, resulting in sleep deprivation, which can affect the body’s metabolism and result in weight gain.
3. Diet and nutrition:
Poor dietary habits and excessive consumption of high-calorie meals might lead to postpartum weight gain.
4. Physical inactivity:
A lack of time and energy for exercise and physical activity might lead to postpartum weight gain.
5. Stress and mental health:
The stress of caring for a newborn and handling other duties, as well as mental health disorders such as postpartum depression, can contribute to weight gain.
6. Genetics:
Genetic factors such as a proclivity to carry excess weight or difficulties decreasing weight can play a role in post-pregnancy weight gain.
7. Medical illness:
Certain medical disorders like hypothyroidism might contribute to postpartum weight gain.
8. Medication:
Some drugs, such as opioids, used to treat postpartum problems, might cause weight gain.
9. Prior lifestyle choices:
Prior lifestyle choices, like smoking or binge drinking alcohol, can lead to weight increase after delivery.
5 Reasons why not all women gain weight after delivery
Not all women gain weight after giving birth, though. Some women do not gain weight after giving birth or even lose weight for a variety of reasons, including:
1. Breastfeeding:
Breastfeeding can help some women lose weight after birth and burn calories.
2. Active living:
Women may be less likely to gain weight after birth if they lead an active lifestyle before, during, and after pregnancy.
3. Healthy eating:
Prevent weight gain after pregnancy by eating a healthy, balanced diet both during and after pregnancy.
4. Genetic predispositions:
Some women may have predispositions at birth that help them avoid gaining too much weight during and after pregnancy.
5. Medical conditions:
Hyperthyroidism is one medical problem that might cause weight loss after delivery.
Conclusion
Weight gain after pregnancy is typical for many women due to a variety of circumstances.
It’s crucial for new mothers to prioritize self-care and seek assistance from gynecologists and fetal medicine specialists, like those found at Jammi Scans.
Our experts can offer advice on secure, healthy methods of postpartum weight management and general wellness.
New moms can prioritize their own health and well-being while caring for their new kids and achieve a healthy and sustainable weight after giving birth with the correct assistance and self-care techniques. Contact our team now.
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