Weight Gain During Pregnancy - Tips To Staying Fit

Weight gain during pregnancy is a natural normal process. Weight changes for several reasons during pregnancy, but we should begin by saying that it all happens on the background of the hormonal transformations that favor, support and protect pregnancy. The new life forming conditions in the womb cause the entire body system to adjust and support these changes. Hence, there are several factors that influence weight gain during pregnancy.

In order for the nutrients to be absorbed by the baby through the placenta, the woman’s metabolism has to slow down. This phenomenon is also closely related to the fact that lots of women suffer from constipation during pregnancy.

Then, the blood volume in the body increases considerably, which adds up to the body weight. More water is retained in the tissues, not to mention the amniotic fluid in which the baby grows. All of this extra weight gain during pregnancy will usually be eliminated during delivery and in the two weeks following the postpartum.

Diet becomes another major factor that favors weight gain during pregnancy. The appetite usually gets higher, particularly when the nausea specific to the first trimester is gone. Fat also accumulates rapidly because many women eat more than they need and they have a reduced level of physical activity. The food quality is much more important than the quantity. Eat good nutritious food and do not exaggerate with sweets and fats. They are rich in calories but have a low nutritive value.

The reduce level of physical activity is one other explanation for weight gain during pregnancy. Once they find out they are pregnant future mothers give up lots of activities, spending a lot of time in bed or sitting. This will not do you any favor! The body needs physical stimulation even if you cannot perform the same activities as before. Pregnant women can participate to special training programs. They keep the muscles in good shape and toned in view of delivery.

Medical ball exercises, walking, swimming, special yoga postures and lots of other workouts can be used to prevent weight gain during pregnancy. In case you want train at home, you can search on the Internet to get some good ideas of exercises. Massage also helps you stay in great shape particularly if you have some other special condition that prevents you from performing physical activities. By massaging the muscles, you stimulate blood circulation locally which enables a better energy consume. In other words, it prevents the formation of fat deposits under the skin.

Discussion Area - Leave a Comment