Weight Gain

WEIGHT GAIN

                Being thin is a national fixation. Consequently, one of the most difficult adjustments for many pregnant women is that they are going to gain weight and that this weight gain (within reason) is a good thing.

                You know, on an intellectual level, that you are growing a baby inside of you and that is why you are gaining weight. But many women feel devastated with every additional pound, so conditioned are they by what “fashion” dictates. You may feel ugly, unfeminine, and unloved. The result is that you’ll feel guilty. Resentful, and Constantly Worried. This is hard on you, hard on your baby, and hard on your partner, who must listen to your unending complaints and constantly try to reassure you.

                The weight you gain is good. It provides protection and nurturance for your baby. This doesn’t mean you can comfort yourself every day with a huge ice cream sundae: you’re eating for two in terms of nutrition, not quantity. You have to consume more calories to feed the developing fetus, but this doesn’t entitle you to munch away happily on anything and everything- empty calories such as potato chips benefit no one.

                Theories as to how much weight pregnant women should gain change with the years. Currently, 25 to 35 pounds is the accepted figure. That how much the baby and the placenta weigh, so that’s about how much you’ll lose easily right after the baby is born

                “The growth of the uterus at 12, 25 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. Weight gain is most marked during the fifth and sixth month, and by the end of the third trimester the baby and placenta weight, on average, 25 to 35 pounds. Following a well-balanced diet will ensure that surplus weight gain is kept to a minimum.”

                (You’ll lose approximately 12 pounds as an immediate result of the delivery). Anything more than that, says the conventional wisdom, and you’ll have to work hard to get it off. And dieting is never, ever, anything more than a bore.

                However, don’t be dominated or bullied about your weight. Certainly gross obesity or scrawny thinness is not good for you or for your baby, but if you gain more than 25 pounds, don’t feel guilty. Everybody is different; every pregnancy is different. The important thing is the rate at which you gain weight: it should be steady and consistent, with the most gain taking place in the fifth and sixth month. You should keep a weekly weigh-in record, and report any weight loss or change in the pattern of weight gain to your doctor.

                And don’t starve yourself on the day before your regular visit to the doctor. This may make your chart look good, but you are depriving your baby of food, and that is not a very good idea.

               

                “Keep a weekly record of your weight gain and report any change in the pattern to your doctor.”