Do you ever question how stars are able to slim down to their pre-pregnancy weight so quickly? It is due to the fact that they only gain just enough weight to deliver a healthy baby. Weight that is not gained from the baby, placenta, womb, and added blood supply is considered extra weight. Many doctors say that most women can have a healthy baby without gaining any extra weight. These helpful hints will teach you how to keep that unnecessary weight off.
Extra Weight Gain vs. Necessary Weight Gain
You have to identify what is normal weight gain and what is extra weight gain. It is the normal gained weight that easily goes away after giving birth. An overweight woman should gain 15-25 pounds during a pregnancy, an underweight woman should gain 28-40 pounds, and a normal, healthy woman should gain 25 to 35 pounds. These pounds are normally gained slowly during the pregnancy. Typically, you will lose two to four pounds in the first three months, then steadily gain a pound or two each week until you deliver.
What are these extra pounds for? Weight that is needed to make a healthy baby include things such as: your growing baby, your uterus, tissues, and more.
The baby will weigh around 7 to 8 pounds and your uterus weighs 2 to 5 pounds.
The weight of the placenta is 2 to 3 pounds.
The fat stored for breast-feeding and delivery weigh runs about 5 to 9 pounds and your expanding breast tissue weighs about 2 to 3 pounds.
The amniotic fluid within you weighs approximately 2 to 3 pounds.
The extra supply of blood for the baby weighs 4 pounds.
In general, any higher quantity is additional weight that is not necessary for the growth of the baby. The extra weight gained during pregnancy is the most difficult to lose after giving birth.
Eating for Two
Gaining unnecessary weight is often the result of following the eating for two myth. It is well known that healthy expectant mothers only need an additional 100 to 300 calories to properly nourish their babies. An apple and bowl of cereal will provide sufficient calories. If you are eating more than that, unfortunately, your body stores the extra calories as fat. While you may not see the fat during pregnancy, you will become painfully aware of it as you try to fit into your pre-pregnancy clothes.
So, to keep from gaining any unwanted weight, it is important not to indulge too much while you are pregnant. Practice good nutrition by maintaining a diet of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, and whole grain breads. Not only is this is good for your physical fitness, but it also provides good nutrition for your growing baby.
Move that Baby Bump
Every time a magazine posts a picture of a pregnant celebrity she is taking a walk. Have you ever asked yourself why this is? Most doctors will tell you that it is totally acceptable for healthy pregnant women to exercise.
To burn extra calories consumed during a craving, take a long walk. This also helps to tone down mood swings due to the increase in blood flow. Simply an additional weight secret of the stars!
Note: These tips are for women that are healthy and have checked with their doctors on the benefits of not gaining excess weight during pregnancy. It is just normal for a pregnant woman to gain weight, attempting to not gain needed weight during pregnancy is not recommended. Side effects of improper weight gain are detrimental to both mother and child. Discuss this with your physician.