| Most women are very interested in
their weight gain during pregnancy, many watch their weight gain very closely. Changes to
you body (increased size of the uterus, breast tissue, blood volume, body fluid) account
for the largest part of your weight gain. To support a pregnancy your body stores
nutrients and increases the volume of blood i.e. more than 45 to 50% more than before you
became pregnant. Fluid and cells increases to different degrees. The break up of pregnancy
weight can be shown as follows :
| WEIGHT IN POUNDS
|
BREAKUP OF WEIGHT
GAIN |
| 7 pounds |
Material Stores
(fat, protein and other nutrients) |
| 4 pounds |
Increased Fluid Volume |
| 2 pounds |
Breast Enlargement |
| 2 pounds |
Uterus |
| 7 1/2 pounds |
Baby |
| 2 pounds |
Amniotic Fluid |
| 1 1/2 pound |
Placenta (tissue connecting mother
and the baby that brings nourishment and takes away waste) |
|
Q. I have put on
over 10 pounds in my first trimester, what should I do?
Although there is no ideal weight gain to aim for, that doesn't mean that you can
eat whatever you want and put on as much weight as you like. There is a direct relation
between excession weight gain and cesarean section. Its thought that when fat accumulates
between muscle fibres of the uterus - they work less efficiently and cannot contract
enough to finish pushing the baby out one labor has started. It will be difficult to lose
even after delivery since it is on you and not your baby. Do not cut down or try to lose
weight you must eat regular, healthy meals. Here are few tips to help to help you keep
your weight gain within reasonable limits.
1. As soon as you are pregnant get someone to take your photograph every month. This will
be a reminder of your changing shape and will help you keep your size in perspective.
2. Keep a supply of nutritious snack like cheese, dried fruits and nuts. Avoid high
calorie, low nutritious foods such as pastries, potato chips, aerated water.
3. Don't eat cheering yourself up. Try to occupy yourself.
4. When preparing meals or snacks follow these simple rules :
* eat unprocessed food
* include lots of rough age in your diet
* avoid fried foods
* cut of fattening foods |
