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Pregnancy is an exciting and life-changing experience for women, quite literally. It involves both physical and emotional changes to nurture and create a life that resides within. These include hormonal fluctuations, cravings and most prominently - weight gain. While much attention is often directed towards discussions on weight management and postpartum weight loss, it is important to understand the special relevance of healthy weight increase during pregnancy. A healthy weight gain during pregnancy is not only recommended for expecting mothers but also essential for the unborn child's health.
In this blog, we will delve into the intricacies of weight gain during this period tracing its reasons and average weight gain during pregnancy. Recognising the physiological requirements of generating and maintaining life is essential to comprehending the dynamics of weight growth during pregnancy, something which goes beyond simple numerical values on a scale. With this comprehensive guide, expectant mothers can navigate through their maternal journey with ease.
Gaining weight during pregnancy is a natural and necessary aspect of the mother's journey. It helps the baby grow and develop and gets the mother's body ready for nursing and birthing. Pregnancy causes an overall rise in weight due to several factors:
Appropriate weight gain during pregnancy is vital for a healthy maternal journey. This is because weight added to the body from the baby, placenta, amniotic fluid, and increased blood volume, all contribute significantly to the infant's growth. Sufficient weight gain supports the construction of organs, bones, and tissues in the foetus by supplying vital nutrients. Maternal weight gain also acts as a buffer against the energy demands of childbirth, lactation, and the postpartum period.
Reaching a healthy weight growth aids in the avoidance of complications like low birth weight, premature birth, and problems with development. Additionally, it aids in the physiological changes that the mother experiences during pregnancy, including the uterus' growth and the formation of breast tissue necessary for nursing.
The appropriate weight gain during pregnancy varies based on various factors, including the mother's pre-pregnancy weight, overall health, and whether she is carrying one or more infants (multiple pregnancies). These suggestions are set to maximise the mother's and the developing child's health.
According to the Institute of Medicine, here is a general guideline on healthy weight gain during pregnancy
For a pregnancy carrying one baby:
Average weight gain during pregnancy with more than one baby:
Weight gain during pregnancy might cause some women to become conscious of their bodies. However, healthy weight gain during pregnancy and weight management is important to support the well-being and optimal growth and development of the mother and child. Here are some tips to manage weight during pregnancy:
The percentage of women who had healthy weight gain during pregnancy may vary due to a lot of factors. Studies have suggested that about 30–40% of expectant mothers gain weight in compliance with health organisations' recommendations, like the Institute of Medicine's (IOM) standards. 48% of pregnant women gained weight above the guidelines and 21% gained weight below the guidelines.
Pregnancy is a special and transformative experience. Healthy weight gain during this period is vital to the health of the mother and unborn child. Positive and empowered motherhood is influenced by balancing the act of exercise, nutrition, and emotional support. It is important to remember that there is no set standard approach to pregnancy.
Medical specialists are essential in helping women reach a healthy weight increase within advised bounds. The journey for the healthier start of a new family member begins with mindfulness, self-care, and a network of support.
A woman gains weight during pregnancy because of the weight of the baby and to carry other physiological functions. The weight gained during pregnancy depends upon the woman’s BMI. However, the average weight gain during pregnancy is between 10 to 12 kilos.
Gaining healthy weight during pregnancy is important for the development of the foetus. Lowering the chance of difficulties and assisting the mother's physiological changes, ensures a happy pregnancy and the long-term health of the mother and child. Gaining less than the recommended weight is linked with delivering a baby that is too small.
It is recommended that you weigh yourself using the same scale at the same time every day, preferably in the morning. Track measures every week and wear the same clothes or nothing at all.
Pregnancy weight gain plays a role in influencing the baby’s weight at birth. The growth and development of the unborn child are closely correlated with the mother's weight gain throughout pregnancy. A baby born with a lower birth weight may pose health risks due to insufficient weight during pregnancy. Conversely, an excessive increase in weight could result in a greater birth weight and raise the possibility of delivery-related problems.
Vitamins and minerals do not directly influence weight gain but are essential for supporting a healthy pregnancy. Adequate consumption of minerals such as calcium, iron, and folic acid is necessary for the mother's health as well as the development of the baby's organs.