Weight gain plays a crucial role in the success of a pregnancy. During pregnancy, the expectant mother leaves aside her preferences and focuses completely on the wellbeing of the baby developing within her womb. Over the period of 40 weeks, the expectant mother experiences various changes in her body and at times, she would find it difficult to accept them. Weight gain during pregnancy is one such change that could be difficult for a woman to deal with, especially in the case of women who are figure conscious.
Weight gain during pregnancy is a natural part of pregnancy as the weight of the developing baby, the placenta; the amniotic sac and fluid are added to maternal weight. Besides, the mother's body begins to produce more blood. In addition, enlarged breasts and an expanding uterus also add to the mother's weight.
Many women are known to experience water retention as well during pregnancy and this could be another cause of bloating and could show an increase in weight. Moreover, in order to ensure the wellbeing of her baby, the mother to be eats wholesome meals. Dieting, skipping of meals and irregular meal timings are avoided. All these factors also contribute to healthy weight gain in pregnancy. The average weight gain is a pound for each month of the first trimester, two pounds for each month in the second trimester and up to a pound a week in the last trimester.
Normal Weight Gain During Pregnancy is approximatley 25 to 35 pounds.This weight gain is recommended in the case of averagely built women. Women who are prone to putting on weight, who were on the heavier side before conception and those who are obese need to be extremely careful with regard to weight gain. An excessive increase in weight could prove harmful to the wellbeing of the mother and baby. Excess weight increases the chances of pregnancy complications and is also not easy to lose after delivery. Hence, an increase of around 10 to 20 pounds is advisable for these women, but this depends on their weight pre-pregnancy. On the other hand, women who are underweight may need to put on up to 40 pounds in order to minimize risks of malnutrition and pregnancy complications. Pregnancy weight gain charts come handy at such times so that an expectant mother can keep track of her increasing weight. This is particularly useful as corrective measures with regard to diet and exercise can be sort in case of excessive weight gain or low weight gain.
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