Gaining The Right Amount Of Weight During Pregnancy
Ensuring you gain the right weight is an important part of pregnancy care. When you are pregnant, you may have heard the phrase "eating for two." However, weight gain during pregnancy is much more complicated.
To ensure your health and your baby's, you must gain enough weight, but not too much weight. Too little weight may result in a low-weight birth. Too high a weight could mean health problems for you and your child. Keep reading to learn more about pregnancy care and healthy weight gain.
How Much Weight Should One Gain?
Your OB-GYN will tell you how much weight you should gain. The doctor bases the amount on your current weight when you got pregnant. You will want to gain enough to accommodate the baby, placenta, fluids, increased blood volume, breast size, and reserve fat.
If you are underweight at the beginning, you will need to gain more than someone who is overweight with a good fat reserve.
How Much Should One Eat?
Contrary to popular belief, you don't need to eat a whole lot extra during pregnancy. In the first trimester, you should eat your normal amount. You will need to eat more during your second trimester. However, the difference is usually only a few hundred calories for many people.
You will need an increase again in your third trimester, but, again, not by much. For many people, the calorie increase during pregnancy isn't much more than an extra piece of pie or a submarine sandwich. No need to go on an unlimited eating spree.
Is Exercise OK During Pregnancy?
You may have concerns that exercise will cause you not to gain enough weight or lose weight during pregnancy. However, you should be active as much as possible during this time. Movement helps with aches and pains and keeps your cardiovascular system healthy. However, you may need to modify your routine as your baby grows and your center of balance shifts. Your doctor can help advise you on safe exercise for your situation.
What Happens If Weight Gain Is Too Much or Too Little?
As mentioned before, too little weight gain could result in an underweight or premature baby. If you gain too much during pregnancy, you are at risk for diabetes and preeclampsia. You may also have difficulty giving birth.
Of course, always talk to your OB-GYN for exact pregnancy care tips. Everybody is different, and you may need to eat more or less than other people. Your OB-GYN can also ensure your pregnancy is on track and your baby is healthy. As soon as you know you are pregnant, see your doctor and OB-GYN right away.
