Pregnancy and Weight Gain
One of the most important things to remember when pregnant is that it is important for you to gain weight while pregnant. Your doctor or midwife will probably suggest a goal weight range for you to gain during your pregnancy according to your height and weight prior to pregnancy. Unfortunately, pregnancy and weight gain isn’t a license to eat unhealthy foods and gain an unlimited amount of weight. You should learn the average for a person of your build in order to have a healthy pregnancy and make that your goal for weight gain.
The average expected weight gain for expecting moms during the course of pregnancy has drastically changed over the last two decades. While our mothers may have been told to gain no more than 15 pounds during pregnancy the averages are now considered to be between 25 and 35 pounds depending on your pre-pregnancy weight and size.
It is important to remember that the weight during pregnancy doesn’t necessarily come from fat. The fast majority of that weight is baby related and the water and fluids that your body is holding on to as a result of your pregnancy.
While there is a weight gain range that is considered healthy for the average expecting mom, you really should consult with your physician about what range is best for you. We are all, after all, individuals and there is rarely a one size fits all rule that is best for everyone. There are many mitigating factors that could affect your expected or ideal pregnancy weight gain. Among those factors are the following: BMI, pre-pregnancy weight, number of babies you are carrying, medical history, and your overall health. Your weight will be monitored at every prenatal visit and if there are concerns at any time you should discuss them with your doctor.
It is best if you gain weight gradually rather than all at once. Most of your pregnancy weight gain should be in your second and third trimesters and you should keep in mind that the more active you are, the more calories you will need to consume in order to make adequate weight gain progress.
You should consumer an additional 400-500 calories per day during your second and third trimester of pregnancy in order to gain adequate weight if you were underweight prior to pregnancy. However, if you are overweight prior to pregnancy, it is perfectly normal to gain less weight than the average during pregnancy.
The types of foods you consume for the added calories is as important as the fact that you are consuming the extra calories you need while pregnant. You need to make sure that the foods you eat are rich in nutrients and vitamins rather than junk that will burn off quickly and offer little or no nutritional value.