Wednesday, February 25, 2009

How Much Weight Should a Woman Gain During Pregnancy?

By Ricardo d Argence

Many women do not mind becoming pregnant, what they do mind is the weight gain they have to experience during the 9 months and a couple of extra months after the pregnancy. Gaining weight during pregnancy is a must, it helps give the embryo its vitamins and minerals to ensure a healthy growth pattern.

During previous years, it was thought that pregnant women should not gain any weight, however, that has changed as pediatricians understand more about the embryo's growth. Now the big question pregnant women are asking themselves is how much weight should I gain during pregnancy?

It is essential to the health of both mother and baby that proper eating and light exercise are priorities. While most pregnancy weight goes to the baby, certain percentages go to the placenta, the breast tissues, water, and other pregnancy fluids.

The average pregnant woman should be prepared to gain approximately 15 lbs. Skinny women who gain 45 or 50 lbs is still considered a good weight during pregnancy.

However, with the use of ultra sounds some women find out they are going to have more than one baby. In this case, it is natural for pregnant mother to gain even more than that, because there are now more vitamins and minerals that need to be divided between the embryo's. Women who do not gain weight tend to have troubles with the development of the embryo, and can cause trouble for the newborn baby, they tend to be sickly babies.

More than 300 calories per day,pregnant women do not need to eat. Junk foods are not really good for pregnant women. Most expectant mothers gain the most amount of weight later in the pregnancy, with only a little bit of gain seen early in the pregnancy.

Definitely not a good idea is losing weight when you gain too much weight. To help avoid futuristic problems for the baby you should refrain from consuming salt while you are pregnant.

If a woman is overweight while she is pregnant she will most likely have higher blood pressure readings and be at a risk for gestational diabetes along with many other issues. They also increase the chances of having a miscarriage.

Here are some instructions for a pregnant mother like light exercise and little bit swimming is good however they should consult with doctors who can give good advice. Swimming is a great way to burn calories; short walks and some easy exercises are good for pregnant women or consult with pediatrician.

Keep in mind that you are now taking care of at least two people now, so it is that much more important to take care of yourself. - 15683

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