Table of Contents
Introduction
Pregnancy is a time when women undergo considerable physical changes. And weight gain during pregnancy is a normal part of the process. It is, however, critical to maintain weight during pregnancy in order to minimize difficulties for both the mother and the baby.
Women with a normal pre-pregnancy BMI should gain 11-16 kg (24-35 lbs) during pregnancy, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). Excessive weight growth can result in issues such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and premature birth, whereas insufficient weight increase can result in low birth weight or premature birth.
We’ll talk about methods and strategies to help pregnant women maintain a healthy weight during pregnancy and have a successful pregnancy for both mother and baby in this blog.
What is the normal weight for a pregnant woman?
The amount of weight increase required, however, can change depending on the mother’s pre-pregnancy weight and general health.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists generally suggests the following weight gain recommendations for women who are expecting a single fetus:
Understanding healthy weight gain during pregnancy
It’s crucial to remember that these are only general recommendations and that some women may need to gain more or less weight depending on their particular health requirements.
Furthermore, ladies who are carrying multiple fetuses might need to put on additional weight.
What causes weight gain during pregnancy?
Pregnancy weight gain helps the baby’s growth and development and is a normal and necessary process. Pregnancy-related weight increase is caused by a number of factors, such as:
Increased caloric needs: A pregnant woman’s body needs extra calories to sustain the growing fetus, placenta, and amniotic fluid. Depending on the woman’s pre-pregnancy weight, height, and degree of exercise, different amounts of extra calories are required.
Hormonal changes: The body goes through hormonal changes that may have an impact on hunger and metabolism during pregnancy. For instance, the hormone leptin, which controls metabolism and hunger, declines during pregnancy while the hormone ghrelin, which promotes appetite, increases.
Fetal growth: The weight of the uterus, placenta, and amniotic fluid increases as the fetus grows.
Maternal fat stores: During pregnancy, the body stores fat as a source of energy to assist lactation and breastfeeding after the baby is delivered.
Tips to maintain weight during pregnancy
In order to ensure the health of both you and your unborn child, it’s crucial to maintain a healthy weight during pregnancy.
The following advice can assist you in maintaining a healthy weight while expecting:
Enjoy a balanced diet:
Avoid skipping meals:
Keep hydrated:
Stay active:
Exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight throughout pregnancy, improve your mood, and lower your chance of developing gestational diabetes. Consult your doctor about the safest exercises you can perform while expecting.
Get enough sleep:
Sleep is crucial for preserving a healthy weight during pregnancy. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night, and take rest periods as needed during the day.
Refrain from eating processed foods:
Seek assistance:
Pregnancy can be difficult, so having a support network in place can be beneficial. Throughout your pregnancy, seek support and inspiration from your spouse, family, friends, and your healthcare practitioner.
Are you having trouble losing weight while pregnant?
Read the below blog for proven weight loss tips.
Conclusion
Maintaining a healthy weight during pregnancy is crucial for the health of both the mother and the baby. Excessive weight gain during pregnancy can lead to complications such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, and pre-eclampsia.
On the other hand, inadequate weight gain can lead to low birth weight and other health problems for the baby.
Therefore, it’s important to seek advice from healthcare providers on safe and healthy weight management during pregnancy.
Experts from Jammi Scans can provide guidance on nutrition, exercise, and weight gain goals tailored to the individual needs of each mother.
By following a healthy diet and lifestyle, mothers can help ensure a healthy pregnancy and give their babies the best possible start in life.
Chennai Women’s Clinic is now Jammi Scans
