Pregnancy: How Much Weight is Too Much Weight?

Pregnancy and weight gain go together. There is no such thing as a pregnancy without weight gain. Gaining a healthy amount of weight during pregnancy through a healthy diet ensures that your baby is maturing and receiving all the vitamins and nutrients it needs to develop. Gaining a steady amount of weight throughout your pregnancy can help lower your chance of having hemorrhoids, varicose veins, stretch marks, backache, fatigue, indigestion, and shortness of breath during pregnancy.
Pregnancy is not a time for weight loss. Even if you were obese before you became pregnant, some weight gain is vital for the healthy development of your baby. If you are overweight or obese, or just concerned about healthy weight gain, be sure to discuss a healthy pregnancy diet and a target pregnancy weight with your doctor.
So, how much weight should you gain?
You should gain a steady amount of weight throughout your pregnancy. While many women struggle to gain weight in their first trimester due to morning sickness, and may even lose weight during that time, it is important to begin gaining regularly during the second and third trimesters. Contact your doctor if you experience any sudden weight gain or loss, especially in your third trimester, as it can be a sign of preeclampsia.
Recommended weight gain for women at a healthy weight before pregnancy is 25-37 pounds. If you were underweight before pregnancy it is recommended that you gain between 28 – 40 pounds, and if you were overweight before pregnancy you should try to gain between 15-25 pounds.
The best way to ensure that you gain a healthy amount of weight during your pregnancy is to listen to what your body tells you. If you are hungry, eat. If you are not hungry, don’t eat. It’s as simple as that. By eating healthy, nutritious foods you can be assured that both you and your baby are getting the nutrients that you need, and that you are not going to gain any unnecessary weight during your pregnancy.
Eating an extra 300 calories a day should be enough to ensure a healthy amount of weight gain. Try eating small frequent meals throughout the day. Be sure to include foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals as well as healthy sources of fat and proteins.
Most importantly, love you body! If you gain a little too much during these nine months, it’s not the end of the world. You can go on a post-baby diet when the time is right. Until then, enjoy those bigger breasts and that basketball round belly!
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