You may be aware that weight gain is crucial during pregnancy. It is an evident sign of your baby's growth inside the womb. If you are an underweight pregnant woman, you may need to put on some extra weight to sail through your pregnancy smoothly. Being underweight during pregnancy may increase the chance of risk and complications during pregnancy for both the mother and the baby. Though it is not a serious issue as long as you get the essential nutrients for your baby’s development, underweight pregnancy should be addressed. A healthcare provider and a certified dietician can help you achieve optimal weight gain during pregnancy. Here are some tips to manage underweight pregnancy. Before diving into the tips, you must understand the reasons why you are underweight during pregnancy and also the importance of gaining the required weight.
Weight gain during pregnancy is important for the healthy growth of your baby. Your body needs additional energy to support your pregnancy, so weight gain is important during pregnancy. Weight gain also influences milk production in pregnant women.
Do you know that the extra weight you put on during pregnancy is distributed to several body parts? Your placenta, amniotic fluid, breast tissue, uterus, maternal blood volume, maternal fat, and fluids gain additional pounds during pregnancy. Make sure you gain a few pounds during pregnancy to avoid underweight pregnancy risks. The additional weight gained during pregnancy will be shed during the postpartum period
The optimal weight gain during pregnancy depends on your pre-pregnancy weight and body mass index. If your pre-pregnancy BMI is less than 18.5, then you are underweight, and you must gain more weight during your pregnancy than others with normal BMI. Underweight pregnancy weight gain is nearly 11 to 18 kgs. This ensures you deliver your baby safe and sound.
Many factors contribute to being underweight during pregnancy. Here are some prominent reasons:
Timely intervention is needed when you do not gain adequate weight during pregnancy. Consult your gynecologist to assess your underlying medical condition. Your doctor will perform certain medical tests to know if you suffer from eating disorders, thyroid disorders, gastrointestinal problems or other medical issues that result in no weight gain during pregnancy. Women who are underweight during pregnancy are referred for additional scans to know the growth and development of the baby. If you find it challenging to put on weight during pregnancy, consult a certified dietitian who can help you gain weight during pregnancy. A dietitian can help you by planning the right food to be taken to gain weight during pregnancy.
You must know your dietary requirements for healthy weight gain during pregnancy. Your doctor or midwife will tell you your target weight gain during pregnancy. Follow the below for healthy weight gain during pregnancy:
Some underweight pregnant women may not be aware of their condition. Underweight pregnant women feel exhausted during pregnancy. Thus, one of the evident underweight pregnancy symptoms is fatigue. Underweight pregnant women find it challenging to carry out their regular work. Here are other risks of underweight pregnancy.
Maintaining the required weight during pregnancy is vital, ensure that you are not underweight or overweight. Manage your weight gain right so that you enjoy a healthy and safe pregnancy.
Also Read: 10 Helpful Tips for Breastfeeding after returning to work
Being underweight during pregnancy must be addressed as it can result in complications. Here are ways to manage the condition:
● Get treated for any underlying medical condition.
● Try to increase the frequency of meals
● Include foods rich in proteins,
● Eat foods high in calories
● Intake supplements to balance vitamin deficiencies.
When you are aware that your baby inside your womb is underweight, then you must eat a nutritious and healthy diet. Ensure you intake food rich in calories and fats, which aids in gaining weight for your unborn baby.
It is possible to reduce your baby's weight during pregnancy safely. Here are the things to be done to reduce your baby's weight
● Eat a balanced and nutritious diet
● Stay hydrated
● Be mindful of your cravings
● Go for Walking
● Try including complex carbohydrates in your diet
● Be mindful of what you eat.
● Eat a balanced and healthy diet
● Stay Active
● Cut off sugar and processed foods
● Replace junk with healthy snacks like nuts, granola, crackers, etc.
