Pregnancy is an exciting time and most mom’s can’t wait to meet their baby. As your baby grows, your belly will continue to grow and get bigger so that you can house your growing baby. Most doctors recommend that women gain between 10 to 40 pounds depending on your starting weight. Talk to your doctor or health care professional to determine how much weight your doctor expects for you to gain during your pregnancy. It is important that you don’t restrict weight gain or start a diet during the duration of your pregnancy. Your baby depends on you for nutrients and your body begins storing extra calories in order to prepare your body to breast fed your baby.
What Risks Are Involved If I Gain Weight to Much Weight?
Gaining too much weight during your pregnancy make is harder for you to lose the baby weight and it will take additional time for you to lose it. However, it also can lead to other health conditions that can affect you and your unborn baby. Work with your doctor closely if he or she feels that you are gaining weight to quickly or you are gaining too much weight at any time during your pregnancy. Your doctor monitors your weight gain at each of your appointments to ensure that you on the right track and that your baby is growing properly. Excessive weight gain can lead to the following complications:
- Gestational Diabetes
- High Blood Pressure
- Leg Pain
- Varicose Veins
- Back Pain
- Increased Fatigue
- Having a Large Baby
- Increase Risk for A C-Section
How Much Weight Can I Expect To Lose During Birth?
Most mom’s think that they will instantly lose the weight after they give birth; however, in reality the additional weight doesn’t just fall off for most people. Most mom’s can expect to lose around 5 to 8 lb’s immediately after they give birth but it depends on how much water weight you gained from getting IV fluids during labor and delivery. Here is a break down of the weight that most mom’s gain during the course of their pregnancy:
- Baby – average weight of a baby is 7 to 8 pounds.
- Placenta – 1-2 pounds
- Amniotic Fluid – 2 pounds
- Uterus: 2 pounds
- Breast Growth: 2 pounds
- Additional Blood Supply: 4 pounds
- Fluid Gain: 4 pounds
- Fat and Store Nutrients to Prepare for Breastfeeding: 7 Pounds
Why Do I Still Look Pregnant Even Though I Already Had My Baby A Few Weeks Ago?
Most women think that their tummy will instantly shrink back to normal as soon as they give birth to their baby. However, you may be shocked that you still may look pregnant for a few weeks after you have given birth to your baby. Most people don’t realize that it takes a few weeks for your uterus to shrink and return to its proper size. Your body is also trying to get rid of the excess fluid that your body stored during pregnancy. especially, if you were swollen or had excessive water weight gain. All of this additional fluid is excreted in your urine, vaginal secretions, and sweat. If you are nursing, your body will begin burning off the excessive fat that your body stored during pregnancy to help prepare for breastfeeding your baby. Remember that it took your body 9 months to gain the weight associated with growing a baby and you should expect it to take 9 months or longer to come off. The weight may come off faster if you can begin exercising once you get your doctors permission to resume normal activities during your 6 week check up. If you are breast feeding, you can lose weight but it is important to ensure that you are getting enough nutrients so that you don’t decrease your milk supply.
