How much weight to gain during pregnancy?

Weight Gain In Pregnancy

The amount of weight to be gained during pregnancy depends on the weight of the mother before pregnancy and the appropriate weight as per her height. The relationship between height and body mass can be calculated via the BMI index. For example, those women whose pre pregnancy weight was in the healthy range then they should gain anywhere between 25 to 35 pounds during the nine months of pregnancy. Those women who were underweight before pregnancy should gain anywhere between 28 to 40 pounds during pregnancy and finally those women who were overweight before pregnancy should gain between 15 to 25 pounds. Pregnant women expecting multiple children such as twins may gain some more weight which is normal. Pregnant women are advised to calculate their BMI index weight and also meet with their doctor to get an approximation about their weight gain. They should then try and stay within the expected weight gain limits by maintaining a healthy diet that is rich in fresh fruits and vegetables and plenty of drinking water. As far as possible, pregnant women should keep themselves active by indulging in light exercises such as walking and swimming. This will also keep them fit to handle the rigors of labor. Pregnant women don’t exactly have to double their intake of food while they are pregnant, as the baby only requires 300 extra calories per day and this requirement is even lesser in the first trimester.

It has been observed that women who gain excess weight during pregnancy have a higher chance of having a cesarean delivery. They also find it difficult ot lose this weight post pregnancy and tend to retain it. Women who are obese before pregnancy have a higher risk of developing pregnancy related medical problems such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. A well balanced diet and an adequate amount of weight gain during pregnancy are essential for the overall well bring and good health of the baby and the mother. If the pregnant woman doesn’t gain adequate weight during pregnancy then the baby may be born with a low birth weight which may increase the possibilities of health problems. Likewise if the baby is overweight then there may be problems faced at the time of delivery. Pregnant women should not try to lose weight during pregnancy as any maternal weight loss may result in an increase in the blood ketones levels. Ketones are known to be toxic to the fetus.

Submitted by P T on July 7, 2010 at 02:11

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