The baby takes up only about 8 pounds of the total extra weight. The placenta weighs about 2-3 pounds, the amniotic fluid accounts for 2-3 pounds, the breast tissue causes an extra 2-3 pounds and blood supply to 4 pounds. The larger uterus size adds 2-5 pounds. All of these together make up a total of 30-35 pounds that should constitute the weight gain during normal pregnancy. Make the topic of weight a regular discussion, just to keep track of your weight.
What kind of problems could result due to overweight in pregnant women?
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An uncontrolled amount of weight gain during pregnancy poses risks. It can lead to complications during childbirth and even harm the mother. The mother can have gestational diabetes, which increases the risk of having diabetes at a later time in her life by a factor of seven. There could also be cases of preeclampsia and blood clotting. It is a disorder characterized by hypertension and a significantly high protein percentage in the urine. The pregnancy should be started at a healthy weight if at all possible.
You would gain an average of 2 to 4 pounds during the first 3 months.
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The pregnant mother gains an average of 2 to 4 pounds of extra weight during the first 3 months of pregnancy in general. During the rest of the pregnancy, a pound of weight is gained every week. If twins are expected, a total of 35 to 40 pounds of weight gain can be expected during the pregnancy. A simple exercise routine should be followed, for example, a daily walking regime.
What could be done to keep a check on the unnatural weight gain?
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Since overweight pregnant women are at high risk of gestational diabetes among other conditions, an educational program and proper control measures can help them keep aware of these undesirable circumstances. Small but healthy changes in dietary routine and exercises like walking can make a lot of changes. Women who receive prior information regarding these issues would be at much less risk. Getting a weekly weight check can keep the mother updated on her weight. The pregnant mother should eat moderately and at regular intervals. Also, a lot of water intake is necessary.
A pregnant woman needs to "eat for two".
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Though some extra calories are necessary for the mother to nourish the fetus and provide it with necessary nutrients, "eating for two" is not actually necessary. An average of 300 extra calories is enough for every pregnant woman in general. This amount is enough for her to gain the right amount of weight during the gestation period. So a healthy natural diet should be maintained, but the excess of calories will result in overweight or obesity. You might crave for ice cream or French Fries, but you need to incorporate proteins and other healthy food in your diet.
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