Secrets to Successful Pregnancy Weight Gain

Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful things that can happen to a young couple, especially when they are expecting a child for the first time. However, a lot of things concern the young mother during this time. Among many things, pregnancy weight gain is also a problem.

How Much Weight to Gain When Pregnant?

A lot of women wonder about how much weight is normal to gain during pregnancy? It is good to know that a gradual weight gain during pregnancy is considered normal. For most women pregnancy weight gain is between 11 to 16 kg. However, the amount of weight which a woman will gain during pregnancy depends from certain factors. A big role in weight gain during pregnancy play:

• The weight of the mother before getting pregnant. If a woman is underweight before getting pregnant it is normal and desirable to gain a little bit more weight while pregnant. However, for women who are overweight before even getting pregnant, should take a good care of what they eat during pregnancy and how much weight they gain, as it is recommended for them to gain a little bit less weight than normal.
• If it is a twin pregnancy – it is normal to gain more weight if you are expecting two or more babies, when compared to one baby.
• If morning sickness is a part of the pregnancy – women who do have severe morning sickness during pregnancy, especially during the first couple of weeks are more likely to gain less weight, because they just don’t have the need to eat anything, and once they eat nausea and vomiting starts.

Eating Healthy During Pregnancy Weight Gain

The most important thing, regardless of the kilos a woman can gain during pregnancy is eating healthy (Read also: Pregnancy Disorders).

Healthy food will give your baby a healthy start. However, keep in mind that there is no need to eat for two. A rich diet during pregnancy should contain all the necessary ingredients like fruits, vegetables, legumes, fish, lean meat, low – fat dairy products and wholegrain breads. Foods that contain sugar and fat should be avoided, as well as sugar drinks. Drinking plenty of water daily is also very healthy.

Why You Gain Weight During Pregnancy

The reason for woman pregnancy weight gain is not only that the baby is growing, but also the body is developing and changing, like the breasts and uterus are becoming larger, the placenta is forming, developing and growing, as well as extra blood and fluids are accumulated (Read also: Breast Health).

Effects of Gaining Too Much

Some women gain more than they should during pregnancy. This has its own negative effects in the pregnancy itself, the developing and growing baby as well as in the overall health of the future mother to be. Too much weight during pregnancy weight gain is known to increase the risk for miscarriage, C-Section, diabetes, hypertension, etc. It also increases the risk of childhood obesity once the baby is born. Also, it is very hard for some women to lose that extra weight after the pregnancy.

Effects of Too Little Weight Gain During Pregnancy

On the other hand, gaining too little weight has also negative effects, as gaining too much weight has. Also too little weight pregnancy weight gain increases the risk of delivering the baby before time, or even delivery a baby with lower birth weight, which is also not healthy.

Dr. Dmitriy Bronfman, MD, is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist with over 25 years of experience providing complete gynecological care. He is an expert in many aspects of modern women's health, including preventative medicine, pelvic pain, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, and general, adolescent, and menopausal gynecology.

Dr. Bronfman graduated magna cum laude from New York University and received his medical degree from Mt. Sinai School of Medicine before completing his residency at Brooklyn Hospital Medical Center. He currently practices at Professional Gynecological Services and is affiliated with Lutheran Medical Center, New York Methodist Hospital, and The Brooklyn Hospital Center. Dr. Bronfman, together with the core physicians of Professional Gynecological Services, implements state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, the most tested treatments, and the latest surgical technology, all while establishing a welcoming atmosphere in which your questions and concerns will be addressed with the utmost attention.

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