Why we gain weight in pregnancy: Here’s why there is a weight gain during pregnancy and how much is normal pregnancy weight gain

Eat healthily and gain weight safely.

You need to include healthy balanced diet and some extra calories during your pregnancy to help your baby receive all the essential nutrients for a healthy growth. However, there is no need to eat for two. With a new life growing inside, you know that there will be some weight gain and your little bundle of joy will account for about 26% of the total number of kilos you gain. So, if you are gaining 13 kg during your pregnancy then your baby will just weight 3 kg. You might be wondering why you are gaining so much weight. We will tell you why. Your body is gaining weight in different parts to preparing itself for a healthy delivery, gestation, store nutrients and breastfeeding. From enlarged uterus, amniotic fluid and placenta you gain about 2.5 kg to 3 kgs and your breast may gain around 1.5 kgs.  The rest of the weight gain is due to increased body fluid and blood. (ALSO READ How to get pregnant: 5 tips for women to conceive faster)

What is the right amount of weight gain during pregnancy?

On an average, a healthy pregnant woman only requires 300 calories extra per day. The healthy amount of weight gain during pregnancy is between 11 to 15 kilos. This means you will gain around 2 kilos in the first three months of the pregnancy and about 500 g per week thereafter during the pregnancy period.

If you are underweight, you need to gain more weight, i.e. between 12 and 18 kg, whereas if you are overweight, you should gain about 11 kg. Women, who are carrying twins, need to gain between 15 and 20 kg as increased weight is important for healthy growth of the twins.(ALSO READ Foods to eat during pregnancy: 15 power foods to ensure good health for mother and baby).

How to gain the right amount of weight during pregnancy?

It is extremely important to gain the right amount of weight while you are pregnant. You can try eating peanut butter on bread, apples, non-fat powdered milk, scrambled eggs, raisins, nuts, cheese, ice cream, butter, sour cream and cereals. You can eat five to six meals a day and keep snacks handy.(ALSO READ Follow this special diet plan for pregnancy!).

How to control weight gain?

Consult your doctor to know whether you are gaining the right amount of weight. If you are gaining more weight than necessary, you can control the food you intake. Make sure you talk to your doctor before making any drastic changes in your diet. Pregnancy is the time when you crave for some specific food and it often results in overeating. To control this, try to eat whenever you are actually hungry. You shouldn’t stuff yourself. Instead of eating fatty fast food, try to eat more of lean meat. Include vegetables, whole grains, fruits and low-fat dairy products.