Have you started to eat for two since you got pregnant? Big mistake!
According to experts, maternal weight gain has a direct impact on baby’s health. Women who are overweight are more likely to have a premature baby or a large baby. Moreover, studies indicate that infant mortality risk is the lowest among future moms whose weight was normal before getting pregnant
Does Pregnancy Weight Gain Really Affect Baby’s Health?
A new study that looked at over 1.2 million birth records has found that gaining too little or too much weight during pregnancy can lead to infant mortality. Any woman who’s planning to have a baby should strive to maintain a healthy body weight before pregnancy. Moms who gain too much weight while carrying a baby are more likely to have:
Gestational diabetes
Lower back pain
Leg pain
Varicose veins
Hypertension
Cardiovascular problems
Painful labor
Complications at birth
Trouble returning to pre-pregnancy weight
According to the American Pregnancy Association, future moms with a normal BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 should not gain more than 25 to 35 pounds while pregnant. Those who are underweight can gain 28 to 40 pounds. The recommended pregnancy weight gain for obese women with a BMI of 30+ is 11 to 20 pounds. Overweight moms should gain 15 to 25 pounds.
How to Stay Fit During Pregnancy
The best way to maintain a normal weight at this point in life is to exercise regularly and eat a well-balanced diet. Pregnancy isn’t an excuse to overindulge in junk food and sweets, stay in bed all day long, and skip your workouts. Prenatal fitness will keep you fit and increase your chances of giving birth to a healthy baby.
Your diet should be based on minimally processed foods, local and seasonal produce, lean meat, and plenty of veggies. Keep in mind that everything you eat affects your unborn child. Aim for 1,800 calories a day during the first three months, 2,200 calories a day during the second trimester, and 2,400 calories a day during the third trimester.
