How to get Pregnant » Weight Gain During Pregnancy
Weight Gain During Pregnancy
Weight gain during pregnancy is always a concern for soon-to-be-moms. Women want to make sure they don't gain too much weight but also want to make sure they gain enough so they provide everything their unborn baby needs while developing and growing. Learning the healthy amount of weight to gain during pregnancy is dependent on a few circumstances.
The Amount of Weight Gain During Pregnancy
The average amount of weight a woman should gain during pregnancy is somewhere between 25 and 35 pounds. This weight should be gained gradually and they should be smart, healthy pounds so this certainly isn't the time to stuff yourself with sweets! This number is for women carrying one baby and was at or near here ideal weight pre-pregnancy.
The Right Amount of Weight to Gain for Over-Weight or Under-Weight Women
Women who are overweight should gain somewhere between 15 and 25 pounds during their pregnancy, and underweight women should gain between 28 and 40 pounds. Remember that this is probably not the time for overweight women to decide to try to lose weight. Eating and gaining healthy weight is what's important for your growing fetus.
How Much Weight to Gain at Each Stage
Knowing how much weight gain during pregnancy that you should have at each stage is important. This will help you and your doctor know that your baby is growing at the expected and healthy rate. Although you hear the old adage "eating for two", this does not mean that you should eat twice as much food! You should gain 2-4 pounds during your first trimester, and 1 pound per week thereafter.
Where Those Extra Pounds Go
Knowing where that extra weight gained during pregnancy goes can help you remember how important healthy eating is to the health and growth of your baby. Here is an average range of where each pound goes:
Baby 7-8 pounds
Placenta 2-3 pounds
Amniotic Fluid 2-3 pounds
Breast Tissue 2-3 pounds
Blood Supply 4 pounds
Fat Storage for Delivery and Breastfeeding 5-9 pounds
Uterus Size Increase 2-5 pounds
Total 25 - 35 pounds
How to Achieve the Right Weight Gain During Pregnancy
Healthy eating is what's needed most at this time, and here are a few tips to help you to achieve the right weight gain during pregnancy:
- Eat 5 - 6 small meals each day
- Pack quick, healthy snacks to keep with you at all times. Snacks such as raisins, dried fruits, nuts, cheese and crackers, and yogurt.
- To add protein, spread a small amount of peanut butter on your toast, crackers, celery or fruit. One tablespoon will add about 7 grams of protein and 100 calories.
- Use non-fat milk while cooking and on cereals.
Knowing the right amount of weight gain during pregnancy for you and your body-type is important for the health of your baby, as well as your labor and delivery. You don't want to gain too much nor too little, and eating the right kinds of food is pertinent. Healthy eating and an approved exercise program will help to determine how healthy the future baby is.
References
Whattoexpect.com
babycenter.com