Why not lose weight?
Losing weight during pregnancy is not recommended, because the actual loss of weight is associated with the burning of fat stores which may contain harmful substances for the baby. You can however gain muscle as you gestate. Talk to your practitioner about working out and exercising.
What if I'm over weight?
Being overweight does not mean that you cannot have a healthy pregnancy. Although we do know that obese women do have a greater tendency towards problems during their pregnancy, including high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, and an increased incidence of miscarriage. You must remember that you have to gain weight for the baby, a minimum of 11 pounds.
What if I'm under weight?
Underweight women will sometimes have fertility problems due to lower body fat ratios. If you were able to get pregnant you need to remember that you must add more calories to your diet. If you do so in a healthy manner you will not need to worry about postpartum excess weight. Snack through out the day in a healthy manner, remembering that yogurt, cheese, and grains are easy and great for you and your baby. Your minimum weight gain in pregnancy should be about 28 pounds.
What about postpartum?
What and how you gained will have an effect postpartum weight loss. If you followed the guidelines above you should be in good shape to start working on your body. Remember that breastfeeding will use up the stores of fat deposited by pregnancy very quickly because it takes 1000 - 1500 calories a day to produce milk.
If you gained more than you needed, you will have more work to do, but all is not hopeless. Although it is important for everyone to maintain a healthy weight.
Exercise postpartum is very beneficial for a lot of reasons, including:
- Weight Loss
- Muscle building (for carrying your growing baby)
- Flexibility
- Helps relieve depression
- Increases self esteem
All in all remember that this is not getting fat, this is growing a baby, something that requires calories (energy). Make what you eat count twice as much and you will reap the rewards of a healthy baby.
