Pregnancy is the happiest period a woman will ever have in her whole life. But it has lot to do with weight gain. The pregnant woman is carrying two lives and therefore, she needs extra supplementation of nutrition. It is very important to gain the weight if you want a healthy baby with no complications during the pregnancy and delivery.  

Weight gain does many important things for you and your fetus. First of all it is to be remembered that a pregnant woman is now growing a new little human being. Everybody knows that women who keep themselves away from good nutrition during her entire pregnancy tend to have smaller, sickly babies who will require intensive hospital time and will have a higher risk of problems including neonatal death.

How to gain the weight during pregnancy?

This is indeed good to ask! One should remember that eating for two lives never mean eating food twice as much. In general, pregnant woman does not need to add more than 200 calories each day to her present diet. However, this is what a pregnant woman eats that really counts.

One should be sure that pregnant woman’s diet is nutrient dense. Meaning to say that the diet should be full of good things for pregnant woman and her fetus as opposed to the junk food that is full of fat and sugar having extra calories and no nutrients. In other words, you at snack time, should take fresh fruit instead of a candy bar. You can also add some cheese to your crackers. Most of the pregnant women will observe a slight weight gain in the beginning of her pregnancy, generally 6-11 pounds during her first trimester. Some of this weight gain is nothing but water weight, so of these are the materials needed to help your fetus to grow.

If a pregnant woman notices that she has put on several pounds one week, look back at your diet. Did you changes your dietary habits? Your gynecologist will also use your weight gain as an indicator of baby's growth and in looking for potential problems.

A pregnant woman should remember that slow and steady wins the race!

Where the Weight Goes

Why should one not lose weight during pregnancy?

Losing weight during pregnancy is never advised. This is because gaining weight means the growth of the fetus is good and it is getting all the nutrients required. Proper nourishment will make mother and fetus healthier. Weight gain is an ideal sign of getting nourished. However, women who are overweight or obese are advised to lose their weight up to certain extent.