Tips For Healthy Pregnancy Weight Gain

When you're pregnant, your doctor will most likely suggest that you gain somewhere between twenty-five and thirty pounds. Although many women report that they actually lose weight during the first trimester, you should try to gain around three and a half pounds during that time. Why is losing weight during the early months of your pregnancy even possible? Morning sickness of course. As long as your weight goes up normally throughout the second trimester, however, your doctor will probably not be overly concerned.

During the next, or second, trimester of your pregnancy, it is normal to gain the majority of weight. On average, a woman will gain about a pound a week with a total of about twelve to fifteen pounds. Gaining more during some months and less during another is not unusual.

When you reach your seventh and eighth months, you will continue to gain about a pound a week with a total of about eight to ten pounds during the last months. As the baby grows larger, your weight gain may slow down in the final month. Many folks believe that this slowed gain is a certain sign of impending delivery, so take solace in that. Now, keep in mind that if you do keep on gaining weight you could be retaining water, so speak to your doctor about that.

Your second trimester is where you will probably put on most of your weight. Most women put on about a pound a week, so roughly four or five pounds a month which brings their second trimester weight gain to about 12-15 pounds. Some women put on more while others put on less. Do not be surprised if you gain a lot of weight one month and not so much your next.

For the 7th and 8th month you will should probably continue about a pound each week or so. Look to gain between 8 and 10 pounds those months. Most women find that their weight gain slows down in the 9th month. You might find your weight gain coming to a end as your due date draws nearer. This can be a sign that labor is on the horizon. Or, you may find that your weight gain continues especially if you are retaining a lot of water.

Given that most newborns only weight about seven pounds, then where are all the extra pounds coming from? Remember that there is a lot of amniotic fluid and your breasts have enlarged not to mention the placenta. Not only that, but you now will have a larger uterus as well. During your pregnancy, you'll produce around four pounds of blood more than usual. Don't forget the added body fat too. With that said, there really shouldn't be a surprise that you gain so much weight.

Of course, not all women are alike and these numbers are only hypothetical. You really should focus on having a healthy pregnancy and keep a healthy weight during your entire gestation. Both you and your baby require more calories than usual and those calories should come from healthy food and nutrition. Try to keep away from empty calories and junk food that will not benefit either of you.

By following a healthy lifestyle during your pregnancy, you'll more than thank yourself later when you don't have a large amount of weight to get off after the baby is born.

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