One of the major concerns for most expecting mothers is weight fluctuation.
But the problem is, many pregnant women do not know how much weight gain is considered normal and healthy.
It is important to know that a steady weight gain is actually beneficial.
Besides lowering your chances of having stretch marks, fatigue, hemorrhoids, shortness of breath, varicose veins, backache, and indigestion, the extra weight you gain during pregnancy also provides necessary nutrients for the baby and helps the baby to grow properly.
In addition, it also provides the nutrients needed for breastfeeding.
Generally, in the first trimester, a pregnant woman will gain 2 to 4 pounds of extra weight.
The weight will accumulate continuously during the second and third trimesters at an approximate rate of 1 pound per week.
A woman expecting twins, however, will gain approximately 1½ pounds of extra weight per week after the first three months of pregnancy.
Below is the approximate breakdown of pregnancy weight gain: - Baby: 7-8 pounds - Placenta: 1-2 pounds - Amniotic fluid: 2 pounds - Uterus: 2 pounds - Maternal breast tissue: 2 pounds - Maternal blood: 4 pounds - Fluids in maternal tissue: 4 pounds - Maternal fat and nutrient stores: 7 pounds It is worth noting that the amount of weight you are supposed to gain depends on your pre-pregnancy body mass.
If your pre-pregnancy body mass index was between 18.
5 to 24.
9, you are allowed to gain 25 to 35 pounds of extra weight.
If you originally had a BMI of less than 18.
5, you should gain 28 to 40 pounds.
If you were overweight before pregnancy (with a BMI of 25 to 29.
9), you should only gain 15 to 25 pounds.
Last but not least, if you had a BMI of more than 30, you are only allowed to gain 11 to 20 pounds of extra weight.
Women who are pregnant with twins, on the other hand, will experience more significant weight gain.
A woman who had normal weight before pregnancy should gain 37 to 54 pounds, an overweight woman is allowed to gain 31 to 50 pounds, and an obese woman should only gain 25 to 42 pounds.
The weight gain approximation given above, however, is based on general knowledge.
In some cases, it is possible for an expecting mother to lose weight under medical supervision.
Since different women have different body types, it is always better to consult with your obstetrician about your weight gain or weight loss.
But the problem is, many pregnant women do not know how much weight gain is considered normal and healthy.
It is important to know that a steady weight gain is actually beneficial.
Besides lowering your chances of having stretch marks, fatigue, hemorrhoids, shortness of breath, varicose veins, backache, and indigestion, the extra weight you gain during pregnancy also provides necessary nutrients for the baby and helps the baby to grow properly.
In addition, it also provides the nutrients needed for breastfeeding.
Generally, in the first trimester, a pregnant woman will gain 2 to 4 pounds of extra weight.
The weight will accumulate continuously during the second and third trimesters at an approximate rate of 1 pound per week.
A woman expecting twins, however, will gain approximately 1½ pounds of extra weight per week after the first three months of pregnancy.
Below is the approximate breakdown of pregnancy weight gain: - Baby: 7-8 pounds - Placenta: 1-2 pounds - Amniotic fluid: 2 pounds - Uterus: 2 pounds - Maternal breast tissue: 2 pounds - Maternal blood: 4 pounds - Fluids in maternal tissue: 4 pounds - Maternal fat and nutrient stores: 7 pounds It is worth noting that the amount of weight you are supposed to gain depends on your pre-pregnancy body mass.
If your pre-pregnancy body mass index was between 18.
5 to 24.
9, you are allowed to gain 25 to 35 pounds of extra weight.
If you originally had a BMI of less than 18.
5, you should gain 28 to 40 pounds.
If you were overweight before pregnancy (with a BMI of 25 to 29.
9), you should only gain 15 to 25 pounds.
Last but not least, if you had a BMI of more than 30, you are only allowed to gain 11 to 20 pounds of extra weight.
Women who are pregnant with twins, on the other hand, will experience more significant weight gain.
A woman who had normal weight before pregnancy should gain 37 to 54 pounds, an overweight woman is allowed to gain 31 to 50 pounds, and an obese woman should only gain 25 to 42 pounds.
The weight gain approximation given above, however, is based on general knowledge.
In some cases, it is possible for an expecting mother to lose weight under medical supervision.
Since different women have different body types, it is always better to consult with your obstetrician about your weight gain or weight loss.
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