Pregnancy And Baby Care Conditions During Pregnancy Overeating During Pregnancy

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In addition, the weight of the baby, the placenta, the amniotic sac and amniotic fluid also contribute to weight gain. Most of this weight is lost after delivery. However, the increase in maternal fat must be healthy and through a well balanced diet. If the mother accumulates too much of fat through overeating during pregnancy, losing the excess weight later will be very difficult.

Overeating during pregnancy could lead to a number of health concerns for the mother and baby alike. Most women experience food cravings during the initial months of pregnancy due to the hormonal changes and physical needs of the body. Many women are also under the misconception that they need to eat throughout the day in order to satisfy the needs of the baby. Overeating in early pregnancy must be avoided completely as overeating can result in excessive weight gain. Once weight gain gets out of hand, controlling further weight gain will prove to be very difficult. Overeating during third trimester can result in body aches and pains triggered by excessive weight gain. Water retention may also increase.

It is advisable to avoid overeating in pregnancy so as to minimize health concerns like pre-eclampsia, hypertension and cardiovascular complications in the mother. Excessive weight gain could also result in a baby born with a high birth weight and this could affect the health of the baby in the long run.

A high intake of fruit and vegetables is ideal during pregnancy as these foods have a high nutritional value and provide the body with plenty of roughage for smooth bowel movement and the proper working of the digestive tract. In addition, these foods have minimal fat content and do not contribute to unhealthy weight gain. Incase of hunger pangs at odd hours, munching on a carrot or an apple is far more nutritious than feasting on junk foods, cookies and ice cream. Drinking plenty of water also helps in quickening the metabolic process. The mother-to-be must avoid large meals as they are difficult to digest. Instead, small nutritious meals spread out through the day will be more beneficial. Sugar rich foods must be avoided as they increase the risk of diabetes. Fatty and spicy foods must also be avoided during pregnancy as they are difficult to digest.