Pregnancy & Childbirth

Weight control during pregnancy – encyclopedia for medicine & health

Weight control in pregnancy

Weight plays a major role in pregnancy. Is it okay to gain 10 pounds? What weight gain is normal, too much or too little? Doctors regularly carry out weight checks during pregnancy . The main reason for this is that the mother-to-be does not endanger her or her child’s health.

Why gaining weight is necessary

The fact is, women will gain weight during pregnancy. This process is designed by nature. The body grows, changes and ultimately has to ensure that a second person is supplied with nutrients. The weight gain breaks down as follows:

  • The weight of the child is – at birth – an average of 3300 grams (+3.3 kilograms).
  • The uterus increases by about 900 grams (+0.9 kilograms)
  • The placenta has an average weight of around 600 grams (+0.6 kilograms).
  • The breasts of pregnant women are an average of 400 grams heavier (+0.4 kilograms) and the blood volume increases to around 1200 grams (+1.2 kilograms).
  • The body also contains more liquid (about 2600 grams + 2.6 kilograms) and needs more fat reserves (about 2500 grams + 2.5 kilograms).

All of those factors add up to an average weight gain of 11.5 kilograms. However, this is an average weight gain; the actual recommended weight gain is determined by the physician. That depends on the body mass index (BMI) and the starting weight of the pregnant woman.

How much weight can pregnant women gain?

Of course it also plays a role how heavy the woman was before the pregnancy. A woman who was thin before pregnancy is likely to gain more weight than a woman who already had more weight on her ribs before pregnancy. The body mass index – the BMI – also applies during pregnancy. If the woman was “underweight” before the pregnancy (the BMI is less than 18.5), the doctor recommends a weight gain of between 13 and 18 kilograms. In the “normal weight” range (the BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9), the doctor recommends a weight gain of between 11 and 16 kilograms. If the woman was overweight (the BMI is between 25.0 and 29.9), she should gain between 7 and 11 kilograms. Is obese (BMI greater than 30.0)

obesity in pregnancy

If an overweight or obese woman becomes pregnant, she should pay even more attention to her weight. Ultimately, being overweight also increases the risk of various complications. For this reason, before having children, it is advisable to lose weight to avoid numerous risks and complications.

Because overweight or obese people automatically have an increased risk of placenta inflammation or an increased risk of malformations occurring in the child (organ dysfunction or neural tube defects ).

Sometimes people who are overweight or obese have to have a caesarean section or birth injuries can occur because the children of overweight and obese people are significantly heavier and larger. Sometimes the risk of miscarriage , metabolic disorders , preeclampsia and gestational diabetes also increases .

Also, ultrasound examinations can only be carried out under difficult conditions (preferably only vaginal ultrasound examinations, since no images are possible via abdominal ultrasound) or there is automatically a higher load on tendons, muscles and joints.

Studies have also shown that overweight or obese mothers pave the way for later obesity in their own children. However, it cannot be said with 100 percent whether the child’s overweight is actually “determined” or “determined” in the womb.

Weight control despite cravings – nutrition tips

In the end, it is advisable to enjoy a sensible diet and not necessarily eat “for two”. Pregnant women need an average of 2500 calories per day – higher calorie intake automatically means higher weight gain. Around ten percent of the calories should come from proteins.

These include fish, meat and legumes. 35 percent of the necessary calories should be obtained from various dairy products (cheese, butter, oil, nuts). Women should get 55 percent of the calories they need from carbohydrates. These include potatoes, rice, cereals, pasta and bread). Of course, it doesn’t hurt if the pregnant woman eats chocolate or other sweets from time to time. However, this should be pursued with measure and purpose.

Women should mainly consume whole grain products during pregnancy. Eating a healthy diet not only helps you feel full, but also helps you control weight gain. Fast food, desserts and “unhealthy snacks” such as chips should therefore only be eaten seldom – for the benefit of your own body and also for the health of the child. Anyone who suffers from flatulence should be careful not to consume any flatulent foods.

No dieting during pregnancy

It is important not to start a diet during pregnancy, even if you have gained weight too quickly. During pregnancy you should be careful not to go hungry or pay attention to your figure. It is normal for the weight to increase. That process is predetermined by nature. If you are gaining weight quickly, you should consider changing your diet. Diets, on the other hand, are taboo because there is a risk that the unborn child will be undersupplied.

 

Lisa Newlon
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Hello! I am Lisa Newlon, and I am a medical writer and researcher with over 10 years of experience in the healthcare industry. I have a Master’s degree in Medicine, and my deep understanding of medical terminology, practices, and procedures has made me a trusted source of information in the medical world.