Pregnancy And Weight Gain
March 17, 2009
Pregnancy & Weight Gain: Natural Process
Pregnancy leads to altered appetite; and this necessitates a change in the dietary regimen of the expectant mother.
Strict vigil must be maintained with respect to the nutritional roster for two reasons: (i) the mother’s health; and (ii) the wellbeing of the child as its health is largely dependent on the overall physical condition of the mother.
An expectant mother enjoys natural weight gain during her pregnancy. This weight gain can vary from 10 to 12 kg. Such weight gain is absolutely normal.
Underweight & Obesity: Both dangerous for Pregnancy
While a gain in weight of up to 12 kg during pregnancy is deemed normal, on the other hand, underweight and obesity both pose serious consequences for the expectant mother.
That stage is termed as ‘underweight’ when the expectant mother suffers 10 per cent less than the ideal weight.
Obesity in pregnancy may lead to diabetes and hypertension.
Pregnancy & Obesity: Desired Weight Gain
The desired overall weight gain by obese women during their pregnancy period is 7.7 to 8 kg.
Heart burn during Pregnancy
Heart burn can be a sure sign of gastric. It is a common symptom during pregnancy. A pregnant woman should opt for six-seven small meals during the day instead of the normal three square meals daily.
Pregnancy: Nutritional Requirements
Two things must be kept in mind, viz., the nutritional requirements vary in each stage of pregnancy; and secondly, the nutritional requirements differ from person to person.
An expectant mother should have 2500 calories daily. It can be acquired from the following dietary schedule: Plenty of fruits leafy as well as vegetables; three glasses of milk; 100 grams of protein; and 100 grams of fat.
Many cannot consume milk. Such expectant mothers should be given cheese and/or yoghurt besides similar other high calcium food items daily.
Don’t ever bend during Pregnancy!
Yes, that’s quite true. Since the expectant mother’s body as well as that of the foetus is rather fragile, the patient should not resort to physical movements that put sudden pressure on the back and the tummy areas. So don’t pick up weights or any thing from the ground. Such drastic movements may lead to cramps or even to major damages of the spinal cord like split disk.
So, what is the way out?
Simple! Use a hook-fixed stick to pick up objects.
Secondly, ask a member of the household to manage the movement of the heavy objects.
Thirdly, avoid low chairs, beds or toil seats as it is quite difficult to get up from such low-level sitting apparatuses. Just have them raised a bit or to your comfortable level.
