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Weight Gain for New MomsThe best way to figure out your optimal weight gain now is to determine how close you were to your ideal body weight before you conceived. One way to do that is to look at a measurement called the "body mass index" (BMI), a calculation based not only on your weight but also your height. The formula for body mass index is: BMI equals weight (in pounds) divided by height (in inches) squared, and then multiplied by 700. For an average woman who is five feet five and weighs 145 pounds, the equation would look like this: 145 divided by 4225 X 700 = 24 Take a few moments to calculate your BMI before pregnancy. If it was less than 19.8, you were considered underweight, so the recommended weight gain for you now would be 28 to 40 pounds. If your BMI was between 19.9 and 26, you were considered normal weight, and the recommended weight gain would be 25 to 35 pounds. If your BMI was 26 to 29, you fall into the overweight category, and the recommended weight gain would be 15 to 25 pounds. And women with a BMI greater than 29 need only gain 15 pounds or less. Assuming you were average and need to gain about 25 pounds throughout your pregnancy, the question is, Are you gaining too much too fast? A good pattern for weight gain throughout pregnancy is about three pounds in the first trimester, 11 in the second, and 11 in the third. There is, however, a lot of variability in patterns of weight gain, and no obstetrician can say for sure what is the best pattern. Some women gain very little early on, then gain the bulk of the weight later, while other women gain a lot in the first trimester, only to see the weight gain slow down in later months. This last pattern may prove true for you. The healthiest thing you can do right now is to try not to obsess too much about your weight gain. While you want do what you can to improve your baby's chances of optimal growth and development, you don't want to drive yourself crazy! Stick to a healthy, well-balanced, fairly low-fat diet, consisting of enough protein, fiber and carbohydrates, and let nature take its course. Back to Weight & Pregnancy Weight Loss Diet AdviceWeight loss diets should contain balanced eating plans which include all food groups. Because a balanced diet gives you more nutrition. Remember: a well-nourished body loses weight faster. |
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