Many expectant mums are concerned about their weight during pregnancy. It’s a common question they ask their doctor. But the answer may be different for one pregnant woman to the next. So how much weight should you expect to gain during a healthy pregnancy?
For pregnant mums with a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) before falling pregnant, they should aim to put on no more than 11.5-16 kg but women who are obese before pregnancy should aim for a weight gain of no more than 5-9 kg.
Why Worry About your Weight
For some women, being pregnant is one of the rare times in their adult life that they feel they can relax about their weight. Since their teens, they have counted calories and worried about getting plenty of exercise to stay slim. They think pregnancy is the perfect excuse to have a break.
But here are some of the reasons why you should keep your weight in check.
Gestational Diabetes
Women who put on excessive weight during pregnancy are at risk of developing gestational diabetes. The dangerous condition means their body is unable to produce enough insulin to balance the glucose levels in their blood. Mums are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life after having gestational diabetes.
Difficult Labour
One of the reasons doctors keep a check on weight gain during pregnancy is that excessive weight gain can lead to a difficult labour. For most women labour is physically demanding, so you need to be in the best possible condition to give birth. Also, overweight mothers often give birth to big babies and an emergency caesarean may be necessary if the baby is unable to be born naturally.
It’s Hard to Lose
Don’t be fooled, baby weight isn’t any easier to shift. Sure you might lose some weight through breastfeeding and walk with the pram every day, but it will take some work. Nine months of reckless eating could take many months to lose. It’s quite likely you are going to be sleep deprived with a newborn and busy taking care of your baby. Some days exercising will be furthest from your mind.
Baby’s Health
Big babies may be at greater risk of diabetes and obesity during childhood and throughout their adult life.
What You Can Do
A healthy lifestyle comes back to diet and exercise whether you are pregnant or not.
Exercise
Most women are recommended to continue with 30 minutes of daily exercise during pregnancy, but if you weren’t exercising before pregnancy, it’s not a good idea to start on a rigorous training schedule. Consult your doctor before undertaking any new exercise.
Healthy Diet
Eating a diet of nutrient-rich food will ensure you feel satisfied and you're getting the vitamins and minerals you need to nourish you are your baby.
Include the following in your diet:
By filling up on these healthy foods, you should feel less inclined to indulge in foods that have empty calories. The odd treat is fine but don’t eat too many of the following:
Processed snack foods high in sugar and fat
High fat foods
High sugar chocolate, cakes, muffins and icecream
Due to the risk of listeria, don’t eat the following foods:
Soft cheese
Unwashed salad ingredients
Raw fish
Processed meats
You shouldn't consume alcohol while pregnant but instead keep up your fluids up by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
If you have any queries about what foods you should eat or how to maintain a healthy weight while pregnant, ask your doctor or midwife.
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