Pregnancy is a beautiful experience but it also comes with many uncertainties. One of the most common concerns that are associated with pregnancy is weight gain.
However, gaining weight during pregnancy is completely normal and a healthy aspect of fetal development.
The amount of weight that you gain during pregnancy will vary depending on various factors. These factors include your weight before pregnancy, your BMI, and your health status.
However, generally, most pregnant women are expected to gain anywhere between 11-40 pounds. But how can you track your weight changes during pregnancy and ensure that you are gaining weight healthily?.
Understanding Weight Gain During Pregnancy
Your body will go through various changes during pregnancy and gaining weight is a part of this process.
The extra weight that you will gain will come from your growing fetus, breast tissue, blood supply, and fat storage to fuel your pregnancy and breastfeeding.
The gradual weight gain during pregnancy is important as it ensures that your baby is developing properly. In fact, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends a specific weight range for different BMI categories.
Below is a representation of the guidelines:.
Weight Gaining Guidelines During Pregnancy
| BMI | Weight Range |
|---|---|
| Less than 18.5 | 28-40 pounds |
| 18.5-24.9 | 25-35 pounds |
| 25-29.9 | 15-25 pounds |
| 30 or more | 11-20 pounds |
How to Track Your Weight Changes During Pregnancy?
Tracking your weight changes during pregnancy is important as it ensures that you are gaining weight healthily and enables you to monitor if you are gaining the appropriate amount of weight for your BMI category.
Here are some tips which will help you track your weight changes during pregnancy:.
1. Weigh Yourself Regularly
It is recommended that you weigh yourself at least once a week. However, the frequency at which you weigh yourself will depend on your doctor’s recommendations and your health status.
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2. Use a Reliable Scale
Using a reliable scale will ensure that you get accurate results. It is recommended that you use the same scale throughout your pregnancy so that you can closely monitor your weight changes.
3. Weigh Yourself at the Same Time
It is important that you weigh yourself at the same time of the day and in the same attire to ensure the most accurate readings. It is also recommended that you weigh yourself in the morning before you have had breakfast.
4. Record Your Weight Changes
Recording your weight changes will enable you to monitor your weight gain and ensure that you are gaining weight within the appropriate weight range recommended for your BMI category.
You can record your weight gain on a weight gain chart that you can get from your healthcare provider, a pregnancy app, or simply create one yourself.
Recording your weight changes will also enable you to see if you are gaining weight at a healthy rate.
5. Speak to Your Healthcare Provider
It is important that you speak to your healthcare provider about your weight gain during pregnancy. Your healthcare provider will be able to closely monitor your weight gain throughout your pregnancy and ensure that you are gaining weight healthily.
Your healthcare provider will also be able to provide you with advice on healthy eating habits and physical activities that you can engage in to promote healthy weight gain.
Conclusion
Gaining weight during pregnancy is a normal part of the process and is essential for the growth and development of your fetus.
However, it is important that you track your weight changes during pregnancy and ensure that you are gaining weight healthily.
By using reliable scales, recording your weight gain, and speaking to your healthcare provider, you will be well on your way to tracking your weight gain during pregnancy effectively and ensuring a healthy pregnancy.
