Alright, buckle up folks. We're about to discuss a topic that's both fun and frightening - pregnancy weight gain. But before you go throwing out those doughnuts or canceling your delivery of weekly pizzas, let's get one thing straight: pregnancy is not a time for dieting.
Why Do You Gain Weight During Pregnancy?
Firstly, let's understand why women gain weight during pregnancy. Your body needs more energy to help develop that tiny human growing inside you! This includes increased blood volume, amniotic fluid, placenta growth and of course the little peanut themselves.
Secondly, it is completely normal to gain weight during pregnancy! So don't be too hard on yourself if you feel like the Pillsbury Doughboy halfway through.
How Much Weight Should I Be Gaining?
The amount of weight gained during pregnancy varies from woman to woman but there are some general guidelines for expected range:
- If you were at a healthy BMI (body mass index) pre-pregnancy: 25-35 pounds.
- If you were underweight pre-pregnancy (BMI less than 18.5): 28-40 pounds.
- Overweight pre-pregnancy (BMI between 25 and 30): 15-25 pounds
- Obese pre-pregnancy(BMI greater than ) :11–20 pounds
Please note these are just specific ranges; always remember every person is different with their own unique needs!
First Trimester
During the first trimester of your pregnancy aim for maintenance calorie intake meaning do not try any diet buzzwords here such as “detox” diets or low-carb even if your cravings say otherwise!. The baby only weighs around an ounce at this point so there isn’t much need extra calories yet.Typically expect an averagegain in weight to be around:
- 1-4 pounds gain total for the entire first trimester
Remember,this is just an estimation.
Second Trimester
The second trimester of pregnancy is when many women start assuming their (temporary) alter ego,someone who’s always hungry. By this time, your body requires more nutrients and energy to support that lil golden nugget inside you! Here's what you can expect in terms of weight gain during these months:
- An average gain of 12 -25 pounds overall
- About half a pound every week on average during the middle stages
Third Trimester
When you reach the home stretch with our baby bump, things begin getting intense as we sort obvious signs such as difficulty walking or standing due to increased pressure downwards. Due to the increase in size and final preparation periods :
-An average weight gain up by six ounces each week(10th edn).
What You Need To Keep In Mind While Gaining Weight During Pregnancy?
Although gaining some extra love handles might sound appealing, it’s important not to go overboard with your eating habits. If obesity runs within your family like those Ugg boots from our teenage years DON'T WAIT TAKE ACTION!. Try exercising good nutrition habits early on which can keep us ahead of any complications down the road.Here are some tips:
1) Stick with healthy foods: Incorporate whole grains, lean proteins ,and ample servings of veggies into meals filled with calcium-rich dairy items too!
2) Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout but please don't get carried away drinking so much than were back at square one now.
3) Don’t ignore key nutritional components: Keep an eye out for vitamins/minerals such folic acid ,iron and iodine as they help support growth,to reduce cases birth defects.
4) Try light exercise: Regular exercise has numerous benefits and even something as simple as yoga can help prepare you for childbirth itself.
5) Listen to your body: Everyone is unique so learn what works best with your babybump and consult a registered dietician.
Wrapping Up
Gaining weight during pregnancy is both normal and necessary for the healthy growth of your next biggest project but remember, TREAT YO SELF! As long as you’re choosing healthy foods that nourish yourself such-as kombucha instead of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal bars or plantain chips rather than Cheetos, feel free to indulge cravings from time-to-time because YOU DESERVE IT PSA Ladies Let's normalize pregnant women being able to live their healthiest lives without harsh judgement just like everyone else in today’s world.