Weight gain during pregnancy

Before I fell pregnant I decided I would be one of those mums who exercised throughout pregnancy, abstained from cake or eating for 2 and would be almost as slim at full term as before.

Now at 7 months pregnant, I’m pleased to say I’m having a good giggle to myself about it – I’ve enjoyed a slice of cake today and I’m getting ready to teach my pump class tonight. Like many things, the reality can be very different to expectations.

By 13 weeks...

By 13 weeks pregnant I’d gained around 4kg (I know that as I started writing this then). A very popular pregnancy book indicated by the end of the first trimester I should have gained between 0.5 and 1 kg. Some mums-to-be even lose weight during their first trimester. After that I considered throwing the book out (but it is a good reference book otherwise) and considered that my body knows best and will tell me what I need.

So what is considered ‘normal’ weight gain during pregnancy? Here’s an approximate breakdown:

• at birth, baby weighs about 3.3kg
• the placenta, which keeps your baby nourished, weighs around 700g
• the amniotic fluid, which supports and cushions your baby, weighs around 800g

And the rest? This is accounted for by the changes that happen to your body while you're pregnant:

• the muscle layer of your uterus (womb) grows dramatically and weighs an extra 900g.
• your blood volume increases and weighs an extra 1.2kg
• you have extra fluid in your body weighing about 1.2kg
• your breasts weigh around an extra 400g (potentially and some – I’ve gone up 3 sizes so far)
• you'll store fat, about 4kg, to give you energy for breastfeeding.

This all adds up to a weight gain of around 12.5kgs. The ‘normal’ range is indicated to be around 12-16kgs.

Interestingly I also found out that cravings for sweets during pregnancy is a result of our evolution. Back in the caveman days our body knew that sweet foods had a higher energy content which was a good thing as food was harder to come by. Clever things, our bodies.

And now? I’m 30 weeks now and have gained around 13kgs. I’ve been blessed with a trouble-free pregnancy and have only started feeling a little tired in the last couple of weeks. I’m still teaching my BodyPump classes twice a week, walking (waddling) Duke a couple of times a week and hopping on the stationery bike for an easy cruise a few times a week for around 30 minutes. I think keeping active has helped with circulation, minimising fluid retention and maintaining strength for the pending birth and beyond. If the kicks and movement are anything to go by, I’m growing a little BodyPumper!

A good girlfriend and mum of 2 summed it up – every pregnant body is different – don’t compare yourself. Your body is doing an amazing thing, creating a perfect tiny human being.

My tips:

• nourish yourself and baby – make it mostly good and enjoy any treats you do have
• keep moving for as long as you’re feeling well and comfortable – walking, stationery cycling and swimming are good activities
• get yourself a few comfortable pieces of clothing that will grow with you and feel good to wear. Consider bottoms with elastic/maternity waists, maternity tights and leggings in winter, funky flat shoes, and long necklaces or scarves
• have good health care providers. I went to my naturopath around 20 weeks and mentioned I had noticed a big increase in tiredness. She suggested getting my iron tested and it was very low (normal for some women around that time due to the increase in blood volume), easily fixed with a supplement
• pamper yourself – massage, pedicures, foot rubs from hubby, meditation – great for your own relaxation and enjoyment of this time.
• trust in your body. I met a very fit and lean retail assistant who told me she put on 30kgs with each one of her 4 pregnancies – indicating to me that your body knows what it’s doing and does its thing – 9 months is a long time to go without treats!

And I have no doubt that the moment you hold your littlun in your arms, everything else including a little weight gain, will melt away.

Bless,

Carrie xx