How much weight should you gain during pregnancy? (Pregnancy Weight Gain) Let's find out exactly

One of the biggest concerns for every woman who is expecting a baby is weight gain during pregnancy. Some people see this as a time to indulge in whatever they want. Others worry about gaining weight during this time, wondering, "Will I lose my shape?" No matter how you think about it, the important thing is to maintain a healthy weight for you and your baby.

How much weight should I gain during pregnancy?

How much weight you should gain during pregnancy depends on two main factors. One is your weight before you got pregnant. The other is the number of babies you have in your womb. There is a medical measure we use for this. It is called Body Mass Index (BMI) . Simply put, it is a measure of whether you are at a healthy weight for your height.

Once you know your BMI, we can give you a rough idea of ​​how much weight you need to gain. Generally, people with a higher BMI are advised to gain less weight before pregnancy, and people with a lower BMI are advised to gain more weight.

Imagine you have a baby in your womb. So here's how you should gain weight.

If you're suddenly expecting twins, you'll need to gain a little more weight.

When should you start gaining weight?

Timing is very important when it comes to weight gain during pregnancy .

For the most part, you won't gain much weight during the first trimester . That's how it should be. Even though your baby is growing rapidly, he's still very small and doesn't need a lot of extra calories. But sometimes you might gain a little weight because you're hungry or because you're retaining water. Some moms may even lose weight because they can't eat because of morning sickness.

Your baby's growth accelerates after the second trimester . From that point on, it's important to gain weight gradually. If your BMI is 24.9 or lower, aim for a pound (about 450 grams) per week, and if your BMI is higher, aim for a half-pound (about 225 grams) per week.

What happens if you gain or lose too much weight?

This is a very important question.

By maintaining the recommended weight gain, you can reduce the risk of preterm birth . Also, the baby's weight will not increase or decrease too much at birth. The baby will be born at a healthy weight.

In the long run, if a mother gains too much weight during pregnancy, the baby is more likely to be obese and have high blood pressure in the future. Also, if the mother does not gain enough weight, the baby may be born with a low birth weight. Children born with such low birth weight are more likely to develop chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes in adulthood.

However, it's not a big deal if your weight is a kilo or two above the recommended amount. That's why doctors have given a range. So always listen to your doctor's advice. If you have any doubts, ask clearly.

How much extra food should I buy?

"Oh, I need to eat for two now!" you might think, but that's not really the case.

• From the second trimester onwards , you only need 340 extra calories a day than you normally eat. This doesn't mean another plate of rice; maybe something like a glass of nutritious milk and a piece of fruit.
• In the third trimester , this amount is about 450 extra calories .
• If you are having twins , you will need about 440 extra calories from the second trimester and about 500-600 extra calories in the last trimester.

The most important thing is to eat a balanced diet. Include fiber-rich foods like whole grains , vegetables, and legumes in your diet. These will help you feel full and prevent unnecessary weight gain. Drink plenty of water. This can also help prevent common pregnancy problems like constipation.

How to control cravings?

Pregnancy is a time when you crave for all kinds of things. We also call it "cravings." But don't take this opportunity to become addicted to "junk food" that is low in nutritional value and high in oil and sugar.

So when you feel hungry, it's okay to eat a little bit of that. But don't make it a habit. Instead, eat small, nutritious meals throughout the day before you feel hungry. Eat something like a boiled egg, a yogurt, or a slice of whole grain bread.

Why is it important to maintain a healthy weight before pregnancy?

The best thing to do is to reach a healthy weight before you get pregnant . Then you can only gain the right amount of weight throughout the next nine months. Being pregnant at a healthy weight gives your baby the best chance of developing well. It can also minimize complications for the mother, such as high blood pressure and the need for a cesarean section.

If you are already pregnant, don't panic. Don't go on a diet at this time. It is very harmful to the baby. But if you are thinking about your next pregnancy, plan now. After having the baby, try to get back to your old weight or a healthy weight within a year. It is the biggest investment you can make for yourself and your family.

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