When you shouldn't gain weight in pregnancy
The topic of weight is close to the heart of many women, I would say almost all, and the fear that i pounds taken in pregnancy not if they go is very common. Let's try to understand together if there are conditions for which it is possible not to gain weight and, when it is necessary to gain weight, how many are the ideal kilos.
Instead of just focusing on the weight we will use thebody mass index which is a more reliable indicator of "body proportions" than weight alone, because it relates height to weight. In fact, it is quite normal for a 1.80 tall woman to weigh more than a 1.50 tall woman. The resulting value from this simple weight to height ratio tells us which people are underweight, normal weight, overweight or obese.
Read Also: Pregnancy Correct Weight CalculatorIn pregnancy there is only one condition in which it is allowed not to gain weight it is precisely having a body mass index that classifies us as "obese". In fact, in some cases these women not only do not gain weight but lose it, especially in the first months, because the lipid reserves are mobilized for the "construction" or better, the formation of the physical structures of the future child. However, it is important that these women are followed by a gynecologist who can manage their nutrition. In fact, some of them have a tendency to gain weight, the specialist will be able to help them follow a particular diet that does not make them gain too much weight. Excessive increase exposes you to the risk of gestational diabetes and predisposes the baby to develop it in the future.
In non-obese women then it seems impossible not to gain weight, is that so?
There are actually cases where weight gain is really minimal. The reasons are to be found mainly in the physical conformation of these women and in the obstetric history of the family. There are families in which children have been born weighing less than 3 kilos for generations, and couples whose children are "thin and slender" by physical conformation and genetics. Small or tall and thin couples will tend to have children of their own conformation and therefore could take much less weight than the others, even under 5 kilos. If we also associate intense physical activity and perfectly balanced nutrition with genetics without ever excess, the pounds gained during pregnancy will be very few.
But just to be clear these are very limited cases within the population and trying to emulate them is not always good.
In non-obese women then why is it necessary to gain weight in pregnancy e what is the ideal increase? As I have already mentioned before, the formation of the embryo requires the contribution of energy and consequently it is necessary first of all to feed oneself correctly. In fact, weight gain is not and must not be due to overeating, to "eating for two". That said, the ideal increase for women who are of normal weight is considered between 8 and 12 kilos from the beginning to the end of pregnancy. Clearly these values have been studied on a world scale and consequently each case will then be analyzed individually.
Why exactly between 8 and 12 kilos? We must first of all consider that there are many changes in the maternal body: the volume of blood increases to guarantee the baby nourishment and oxygen, the tissues become softer because they become soaked in water, the lymphatic circulation slows down (and this is often cause of edema, swelling especially in the extremities). All of these things affect the weight causing it to stand up. In addition to this part of weight gain due to the modification of the maternal body, the part concerning those structures directly affected by pregnancy should also be considered: the uterus, placenta and amniotic fluid at the end of gestation weigh on average 1,5- 2 kilos. And finally the baby: at birth most of them weigh at least 3 kilos. It is soon made to reach at least 8 kilos. All this weight gain is due only to physiological changes, and is not considered to be how a mother's metabolism is greatly changed by pregnancy.
The intakes of all the basic food components are changed: carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, salts and vitamins are no longer rapidly digested and absorbed, eliminating what is not needed. Part of what the mother does not need is accumulated for the needs of the child in training and here is another possible weight gain. It could happen that hunger increases, the advice I always give is to listen to yourself, the body knows what it needs and requires it by making you want to eat that specific type of food. Let's indulge him, at least until he gets to ask for 4-5 bars of chocolate!
What I want to make you understand is that the weight that we tend to add in pregnancy has a purpose, a reason to exist. Strict diets to avoid gaining weight without a specific medical reason deprive mum and baby of fundamental and useful elements for their health. So no to do-it-yourself diets, if you are afraid of gaining too much weight or if you have any doubts about your diet before, during and after pregnancy there is only one thing to do: talk to your follower who is an obstetrician or gynecologist. They will be able to advise you and, if necessary, refer you to an expert nutritionist who will follow you and develop a diet according to your needs.
