Where do You Gain Weight during Pregnancy?
Weight gain during pregnancy is an important indicator of adequate nutrition. An increase in your blood volume, size of uterus and breasts, and fat deposition all together contribute to the weight gain till the second trimester. During third trimester, weight gain reveals mainly the growth of your baby, placenta and amniotic fluid.
How Much Weight should You Gain?
If you entered pregnancy with a normal body weight, you can put on additional 11.5–16 kg weight during pregnancy. If you were overweight, then an additional 7–11.5 kg weight is acceptable.
Risks of Excess Weight Gain
However, gaining too much weight during pregnancy can increase your risk of:
- Developing diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes)
- Developing preeclampsia which is a life-threatening condition for both mother and the unborn baby due to sudden increase in the mother’s blood pressure
- Complications during labour, caesarean delivery and delayed recovery after birth
- Miscarriage, stillbirth, low birth-weight baby
Not just that, being overweight during pregnancy can also have risks for your baby.
If you see a rapid weight gain any time during pregnancy, don’t worry! Sudden growth spurts that increase your weight can occur and then level off later. However, if the rapid weight gain continues report it to your doctor.
- Neural tube defects (abnormalities of brain and spinal cord)
- Preterm birth
- Overweight in later life
- Injury during vaginal birth if the baby is too large
Eating to ensure adequate nutrition to your baby as well to prevent excess weight gain can be challenging. However, healthy eating habits and exercise routine can help you control the excess weight gain during pregnancy.
Take control of your diet and lifestyle and you can manage your excess weight gain effectively.
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