If you are pregnant, a healthy amount of weight gain is important for both you and your baby. Being pregnant is not a license to eat and gain weight. Having a healthy diet and gaining the appropriate amount of weight for your size can help lead to a healthy pregnancy and a healthy child. Not gaining excessive weight can facilitate getting back to your normal weight after the pregnancy.
Hazards of Excessive Weight Gain
Gaining too much weight while you are pregnant can lead to complications that include gestational diabetes, high blood pressure or varicose veins. In addition, the baby can become too large, which can lead to complications with delivery.
Hazards of Insufficient Weight Gain
If you are underweight, you should discuss your weight-gain goals with your doctor and monitor your weight gain. Being underweight can lead to having a baby that is underweight, according to MayoClinic.com. According to Merck, women who weigh less than 100 lb. prior to becoming pregnant have a higher risk of having an underweight baby.
The Right Amount of Weight
Most women starting at a normal weight should gain 25 to 35 lb. during the pregnancy, according to the March of Dimes. This amounts to 1 to 4 lb. in the first trimester and 1 lb. a week in the second and third trimesters. The March of Dimes recommends a weight gain of 15 to 25 lb. for overweight individuals and 28 to 40 lb. for underweight individuals. Discuss with your obstetrician your body mass index prior to pregnancy, and she can help you determine the amount of weight gain that is adequate for you.
Food Intake
Pregnant women who are at a normal weight prior to pregnancy can have adequate weight gain by increasing their daily calories by 150 in the first trimester and by 300 during the second and third trimesters. Gain this weight by increasing the amount of healthy food in your diet, including low-fat or nonfat dairy, lean proteins, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Skip food that is high in calories and fat; opt for food high in nutrition for you and your baby. If you find that you are gaining weight too fast, cut back on the amount of calories you eat. Skip the junk food and unhealthy snacks. If you are not gaining enough, try increasing the amount of calories that you take in daily.
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