WEIGHT GAIN DURING PREGNANCY
Weight gain during pregnancy has proved to have a downside as well as an importance to the potential mother and child. This solely depends on how much weight is gained during this period of time.
Healthy weight gain(for underweight) A healthy weight is determined by Body Mass Index (B.M.I).The body mass index (BMI), is a measure of relative weight based on an individual's mass and height.
It’s used in a wide variety of contexts as a simple method to evaluate how much a person’s body burden departs from what is standard or attractive for a person of his or her tallness.
Pregnant women with an underweight problem are advised to gain weight to the required healthy weight to avoid complications during birth and to ensure the optimum conception procedure.
For underweight women, they are advised to have a healthy weight gain because without the extra weight one’s baby might be born earlier or smaller than expected.
Therefore when one is underweight one is advised to gain about 25-35 pounds during the pregnancy. You gain 1 to 4½ pounds in the first trimester and then about one pound a week in the second and third trimesters.
Extra-Weight gain(overweight) Gaining weight above the healthy weight means that an individual is growing overweight or obese. Gaining weight above the healthy weight has consequences to both the mother and the baby.
Overweight mums often experience complications during birth such as longer or prolonged labour. The problem of having a big baby during birth (macrosomia) leading to caesarean method of conceiving.
Some research suggests that a BMI greater than 35, a weight loss of less than 11 pounds which is about 5 kilograms appears to have more benefits underweight, it’s too important to gain a reasonable amount of weight while you’re pregnant without the extra weight, your baby might be born earlier than expected.
Therefore one is advised to work with your health care provider to determine what’s best in your case and to manage your weight throughout the pregnancy. When you want to gain weight you are advised to gain about 15-25 pounds during the pregnancy.
You gain 1 to 4½ pounds in the first trimester and then about one pound a week in the second and third trimester and then about one pound a week in the second and third trimester.
Carrying a lot of extra weight at the start of pregnancy can increase your risk of complications during your pregnancy and labour, making one likely to have: •A big baby (macrosomia) •A caesarean •Gestational Diabetes •High Blood Pressure
So you should be aware of the amount of weight you add throughout your pregnancy. In advance too much or too light heaviness can be injurious to mums and their babies.
So before conceiving a baby if you had high BODY MASS INDEX then probably you midwife should refer you to a dietitian or a trained midwife. With their help support you will be suggested eat healthy and good exercise during pregnancy.