Weight Control during Pregnancy

The topic of weight plays a supporting role in pregnancy. Is a weight gain of ten kilograms okay? What weight gain is normal, too much or even too little? Doctors always carry out weight checks during pregnancy. These have mainly the background that the expectant mother does not endanger her and also the health of her child.

Why gaining weight is necessary

The fact is that women will gain weight during pregnancy. This process is intended by nature. The body grows, changes and eventually has to take care of providing nutrients to a second person. The weight gain is composed as follows:

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

All those factors provide a weight gain that is in the average range of 11.5 kilograms. However, this is an average weight gain; the actual recommended weight gain is determined by the medical professional. This is based on the body mass index (BMI) as well as the initial weight of the pregnant woman.

How much can pregnant women gain?

Of course, it also matters how heavy the woman was before pregnancy. Someone who was thin before pregnancy will probably 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 in the “underweight” range (the BMI is less than 18.5) before pregnancy, the medical profession 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 physician recommends a weight gain between 11 and 16 kilograms. If the woman was in the “overweight” range (the BMI is between 25.0 and 29.9), she should gain between 7 and 11 kilograms. If obesity is present (the BMI is greater than 30.0), the weight gain should be between 5 to 9 kilograms.

Obesity during pregnancy

If an overweight or obese woman becomes pregnant, she should pay even more attention to her weight. Finally, the risk of various complications increases with the excess weight. For this reason, it is advisable to lose weight before the desire to have a child is fulfilled, in order to avoid numerous risks and complications. Overweight or obese people have an automatically increased risk of placental inflammation and also an increased risk of malformations in the child (organ dysfunction or neural tube defects). Sometimes cesarean sections have to be performed on overweight or obese women, or birth injuries may occur, since children born to overweight and obese women are significantly heavier and larger. Sometimes the risk of miscarriage, metabolic disorders, preeclampsia and gestational diabetes also increases. Ultrasound examinations can also only be performed under more difficult conditions (preferably only vaginal ultrasound examinations, as no images are possible via the abdominal ultrasound) or there is an automatically higher strain on tendons, muscles and joints. Studies have also shown that overweight or obese mothers pave the way for later obesity in their own child. However, it is not possible to say 100 percent whether the child’s obesity is actually “predetermined” or “shaped” in the womb.

Weight control despite cravings – nutrition tips.

The bottom line is that it is advisable to enjoy a sensible diet and not necessarily eat “for two”. Pregnant women need an average of 2500 calories per day – a higher calorie intake automatically ensures a higher weight gain. Around ten percent of calories should be supplied by proteins. This includes fish, meat and pulses.35 percent of the necessary calories should be obtained through various dairy products (cheese, butter, oil, nuts). 55 percent of the necessary calories the woman should gain through carbohydrates. These include potatoes, rice, cereals, as well as pasta and bread). Of course, it does no harm if the pregnant woman eats chocolate or other sweets now and then. However, this should be done with moderation and purpose. Women should eat mainly whole grain products during pregnancy. A healthy diet not only helps to feel full, but also to keep weight gain under control. Fast food, desserts and “unhealthy snacks” such as chips should therefore be eaten only rarely – for the good of one’s own body and also for the health of the child. Those who suffer from flatulence should take care not to consume flatulent foods.

No diets during pregnancy

It is important that – even if you have gained weight too quickly – not to start a diet during pregnancy. During pregnancy, care should be taken not to starve or watch his figure under any circumstances. It is normal that the weight increases. That process is predetermined by nature. Those who gain weight quickly should rather consider a change in diet. Diets, on the other hand, are a taboo, as there is a risk that the unborn child will be undersupplied.