Are you stressed about gaining weight during pregnancy? You can use a weight gain pregnancy calculator to help keep you aware of your weight. It can also give you a general idea of the weight gain you can expect in the coming week. Let's get into the blog and learn more about pregnancy weight gain calculators.
One of the biggest changes that a woman experiences when she is pregnant is weight gain. The reason is that the extra weight helps support the baby, which grows from a tiny fetus to a full-grown baby. Moreover, the weight is also a result of the amniotic fluid, breast tissues, and more body volume.
But sometimes, we might not be sure of how much weight we can expect to gain in the coming weeks or trimester. In such cases, the weight gain pregnancy calculator comes in handy. Continue reading to learn more!
Why do Pregnant Women Gain Weight?
Before moving further, we should first understand the reason behind weight gain in pregnant women. So let's understand what are the reasons for their weight gain:
Blood Volume
In pregnant women, the blood volume increases, leading to weight gain. The increase in blood volume is because more blood supply is required to produce oxygen and nutrients, which are supplied to the baby in the womb.
Baby's Growth
The most obvious reason for weight gain in pregnant ladies is the baby itself. The fetus continues growing every day to become a full healthy baby and also contributes to the weight gain in pregnant women.
Fat Store
A pregnant woman requires more energy to support the pregnancy and breastfeeding process, too. As a result, the body stores extra fat, which causes weight gain in expecting mothers.
Developing Placenta
The placenta supports the baby and provides it with the oxygen and nutrients that are required. This is an organ that specifically develops during pregnancy, and its weight of it results in added weight for the pregnant woman.
Breast Tissues
As we all know, the breasts of a pregnant woman grow as it prepares for breastfeeding. This, in turn, also results in weight gain due to the added weight of the breasts in the body. You can always use a weight gain pregnancy calculator to check on your growing weight.
Uterus Expands
When the tiny fetus starts growing, the uterus also grows to accommodate the baby in it. As the uterus expands it also contributes to women gaining weight during their pregnancy.
Amniotic Fluids
The baby is surrounded by a fluid-filled sac for its protection in the womb. This sac acts as a cushion for the baby and helps provide the baby with all the different nutrients that it needs for growth.
Calorie Intake
We need more calories as pregnant women, so we eat more than under normal circumstances. As a result, the weight will eventually start showing in our body, resulting in weight gain.
What does a Weight Gain Pregnancy Calculator do?
The amount of weight that a woman gains during pregnancy depends upon their weight pre-pregnancy. Hence, using a weight gain pregnancy calculator tells you how much your ideal weight gain should be each month. Usually, this calculator is based upon the recommendations of the Institute of Medicine for weight gain during pregnancy.
When using the pregnancy weight calculator, you should know that the weight gains suggested are a guide that gives you an idea of the possible limits, but these aren't specific. The calculator shows results till 40 weeks of pregnancy. If you've passed your due date, you can still use the weight gain pregnancy calculator; however, you must seek your doctor's advice.
What is the Pregnancy Weight Gain Timeline?
A healthy and balanced diet is essential when you're pregnant because your baby also needs nutrients along with you. Generally, you need an additional 300 calories when you are pregnant to support the baby. The normal weight of a pregnant woman with average weight before pregnancy should be 25-35 pounds more than her original weight.
An underweight woman must gain 28-40 pounds more than her normal weight, whereas an overweight woman should be gaining only 15-20 pounds more. You should be gaining 2 to 4 pounds during the first month, followed by one pound a week during the rest of your pregnancy. The situation is, however, different if you're expecting twins.
The BMI for pregnant women is the measure that uses your weight and height to determine if you're in the healthy range. A healthy BMI for pregnancy is considered to be below 30. Having a higher BMI can result in several risks for the mother and child's health. You can use a BMI calculator during pregnancy to find out the accurate BMI for you, too.
How to Avoid Obesity During Pregnancy?
If your BMI is 30 or higher, then you're considered obese, which can result in endangering your health. You could get several complications with your pregnancy, including gestational diabetes, heart problems, sleep apnea, miscarriage, or the need for a C-section.
You can always use a weight gain pregnancy calculator to keep a tab on your weight gain. Obesity affects your baby as well, and they could have growth problems, childhood obesity, or developmental delay. Here is what you can do to avoid obesity:
- You should set an appointment with your doctor if you're obese and planning on pregnancy. Your doctor will help you by recommending certain prenatal vitamins and also suggest a dietician for you. The dietician can help control your weight and make an effective diet plan for you, too.
- You should regularly go for your prenatal care visits as the doctor can determine your health better. The visits ensure that you and the baby are healthy and that any complications that may arise are looked into. There could be conditions like high blood, sleep apnea, or more.
- You must follow a healthy diet and physical activity which helps you stay fit and shed some extra kilos too. You can try pregnancy-safe exercises such as walking, swimming, or aerobics, too. You must switch to a diet that's rich in calcium, iron, protein, and more.
- You must avoid the intake of any risky substances, such as alcohol or smoking. You must speak with your healthcare provider and ensure what is off-limits for you so that you don't end up falling sicker.
Also Read: Questions Every Pregnant Lady Thinks About
Conclusion
Weight gain during pregnancy is one of the most natural outcomes that we must accept. In fact, healthy weight gain ensures that you and your baby are both safe and sound. However, if you want to still keep a check on your weight gain during pregnancy, you can always use a weight gain pregnancy calculator to guide and aid you.
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