Weight gain during pregnancy is normal and natural. There are several reasons why weight changes, but we should begin by saying that it all happens on the background of the hormonal transformations that favor, support and protect pregnancy. The entire body system adjusts for the new condition, creating the right premises for the development of another being inside the womb. The explanation of weight gain during pregnancy should thus take into consideration several factors.

Posted by under Pregnancy Weight Loss

The woman's metabolism slows down, so that the nutrients can circulate from the mother to the baby through the placenta. This phenomenon is also closely related to the fact that lots of women suffer from constipation during pregnancy.

Then, the blood volume in the body increases considerably, which adds up to the body weight. More water is retained in the tissues, not to mention the amniotic fluid in which the baby grows. All of this extra weight gain during pregnancy will usually be eliminated during delivery and in the two weeks following the postpartum.

Diet is one other factor that favors weight gain during pregnancy. The appetite usually gets higher, particularly when the nausea specific to the first trimester is gone. Many women actually eat more than they need which creates the right premises for the storage of the fat deposits under the skin. The emphasis here should fall on food quality rather than on quantity. Eat good nutritious food and do not exaggerate with sweets and fats. They are rich in calories but have a low nutritive value.

One other reason why women experience weight gain during pregnancy is the reduced level of physical activity. Once they find out they are pregnant future mothers give up lots of activities, spending a lot of time in bed or sitting. This will not do you any favor! The body needs physical stimulation even if you cannot perform the same activities as before. There are special training programs designed for pregnant women. They help you stay fit and keep the muscles toned in view of delivery.

Walking, special yoga exercises, swimming, medical ball exercises and lots of other workouts can be used to prevent weight gain during pregnancy. You can search online for physical exercises designed for pregnancy which can be used at home. Another great way of staying in shape during the nine months of pregnancy is massage. By massaging the muscles, you stimulate blood circulation locally which enables a better energy consume. In other words, it prevents the formation of fat deposits under the skin.

Published on Wednesday 8th of September 2010 06:49:58 AM More related articles below
  • Any workout during pregnancy should be adapted to the special condition of the body. If you want to stay in great shape and enjoy an easy delivery, it is advisable to join some program for future moms and continue with physical activities on a regular baby. There are types of training that are totally forbidden during pregnancy, and here we refer to aerobics, cardio training, weight lifting, skiing, cycling and lots of others. Workout during pregnancy should be gentle so as not to harm the baby or the mother, but stimulating enough to keep the body in great shape.
  • Many women want to enjoy a fit pregnancy, but many mistakes are made in this rush for fitness. During the nine months of pregnancy, the body goes through massive changes, as if nothing remains untouched by the growing baby in the womb. It is normal and natural to gain weight during these months, therefore, 'fit pregnancy' is not an easy concept to define. There are several ways to avoid massive weight gain during pregnancy: one is to take up special physical exercises and the other is to carefully watch over diet.
  • Pregnancy weight loss is not as problematic as you expect, since so much of the extra pounds will go away with delivery and then during the breastfeeding period. The fat deposits on hips and buttocks will melt away in what scientists call breastfeeding weight loss. A nursing mother who does not supplements her baby's diet with formula can burn up to 600 calories per day, which is huge. The explanation for this process is natural and simple.
  • There is nothing wrong with weight gain during pregnancy but every woman with a great fitness level aims to return to her pre-pregnancy body. Dieting after pregnancy is a common issue of concern under the circumstances. You can use a low-calorie diet but you have to be careful with your meals while breastfeeding. Nursing mothers have better chances of shedding fat off their thighs and buttocks because lots of energy is consumed for the milk production process. You can pair this with one other type of postpartum weight loss, and success is guaranteed.
  • We live in a world where beautiful means slim, and although nobody wants to be fat, we look around us and we wonder why there are so many overweight. Women feel the highest pressure of all, and even during pregnancy they are constantly worrying about the way they look. Smile, new mom! Embrace your belly! Cradle your child and enjoy this special time of your life! Instead of looking in the mirror or using the scale to monitor your pregnancy weight gain, be positive!