There is a good reason why a pregnant mum puts on weight. This weight gain is vital for the well-being of both mother and baby. It is this increased weight that helps nourish the unborn child, supports the mother’s breastfeeding and within reason, also helps with an easier birth.
Without a doubt, one of the up-sides of being pregnant is that you can gain some weight without having to feel guilty about it. On average, women gain between 25–35 pounds by the end of their pregnancy. While much of this weight is the growing baby and placenta, increased fluid, enlarged breasts and uterus also count for those extra pounds.
The first trimester:
No weight gain? No big deal!
For the first three months of pregnancy, morning sickness and nausea may get the better of many women, making it difficult to gain any weight. Women have been known to report about losing weight! However, this is hardly anything to be alarmed about because, at this point of development, the baby is still really tiny (roughly the size of a pea), and does not require many calories.
Assuming a pregnant mum was not under or overweight before becoming pregnant, a healthy weight gain during the first trimester may range from 3–5 pounds.
The second trimester:
The weight comes rolling in
During the next three months of the second trimester, a pregnant mum is expected to gain between one to two pounds per week for at this point, she is feeding more than ‘a pea’. However, she is not feeding another equal to herself, so it doesn’t amount to two adult-size servings! This is where the misconception of ‘eating for two’ often takes place. On average, an increase of 300 calories per day would suffice nicely. That amounts to about one extra healthy meal a day, give and take a few snacks in between.
The third trimester:
It’s baby who is piling on the pounds!
During the third trimester, babies will gain the bulk of their weight, even the mother’s weight gain slows down as the date of delivery gets closer. It is important to take notice of rapid weight gain or weight loss at this point and check with the doctor for it may be an indication for conditions like preeclampsia.
Although it would be most ideal to gain weight at a steady rate throughout pregnancy, there is no call to be overly concerned if you gain a little more or less than the expected on average each week. The most important thing is to focus on making healthy food choices. Aim to include 75 to 100 grams of protein per day. Go for fresh fruits and vegetables whenever possible. Cut down (or omit!) fast foods and junk foods as much as possible. A moderate, healthy approach to nutrition during your pregnancy should guide you through your ‘eating for two’ period resulting in just the right amount of weight for baby and you!
More pregnancy myths busted!
As soon as your pregnancy is announced, seemingly innocuous comments seem to roll in from friends, relatives, and even the neighbor who never spoke to you before — each thoroughly convinced that the pregnancy ‘wisdom’ they spout are the facts. Tracked back to culture and history, many myths about pregnancy are derived from actual experiences, but the problem arises when a society decides to impart its interpretation of that experience. Then other myths originate from valid medical warnings, but again, elaborated and exaggerated upon until they reach some form of mythical status.
Pregnancy myths seem to exist about almost every aspect of pregnancy, from diet and exercise to how to tell the sex of your baby by just gazing at the protruding tummy. Is there a grain of truth in any of them? Read on to find out.
Myth #1
Fish is bad for pregnant mums
On the contrary, two servings of fish per week are healthy for both mother and baby! Coldwater fishes, in particular, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which is essential for a baby’s brain and vision development.
Word of caution — Avoid varieties such as swordfish, shark, tilefish, and king mackerel, for these are reported to be high in mercury content. Salmon, shrimp, and canned light tuna are better and safer choices. Raw fish is also not recommended as it is likely to carry parasites and harmful bacteria. If you must have sushi, go for the cooked ones instead.
Myth #2
Not today, Darling, I’m pregnant
You don’t have to say no to sex when you’re pregnant. Your baby is fully protected by the amniotic sac and strong uterine muscles, so sex will not cause harm to him or her. There is also a thick mucus plug that seals the cervix. However, do keep in mind that pregnancy doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted diseases such as herpes, genital warts, chlamydia, or HIV.
While still on the topic of sex during pregnancy, will an orgasm cause a miscarriage? If you have a normal, low-risk pregnancy, don’t concern yourself: ‘Contractions’ from orgasm are nowhere the same as labor contractions.
On the whole, sex is safe during pregnancy. If you have any doubts, do check with your doctor to make sure your pregnancy is indeed a low-risk one. If indeed there is a threat of miscarriage or preterm labor, or if there’s unexplained vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, then yes, you might be advised against it by your doctor.
Myth #3
I’ll have to send the cat away for nine months
Cheer up, you don’t! However, do avoid handling your furry one’s litter box during pregnancy because of the risk of toxoplasmosis from the poop. Anyway, hey, you’re pregnant. Do you have to do everything around the house?
Myth #4
The shape of the tummy can ‘indicate’ the baby’s sex
Nonsense! Neither can the line on the skin stretching below the navel reveal the sex of your baby, so do give the poor mirror a break! There is simply no known method to tell the sex of the baby from the outside. However, if you if insist on giving it a go, at least you know you have a 50% chance of getting it right!
Myth #5
Say ‘so long’ to manicures and pedicures
You don’t need to forgo your pampering session at the nail spa just because you want to be a mum! You would need massive and long-term exposure to the products before there was a chance of problems. However, due to your new-found sensitivity, you might get a little nauseous from the fumes and odors in the salon. No need to fret, though, as you can always arrange for your appointments to take place at less crowded times.
Myth #6
If you raise your arms over your head while pregnant, the umbilical cord wraps around the baby’s neck
If this were true, a pregnant mum would hardly be able to do anything throughout her nine months! The umbilical cord is not connected to your arms in any way — it runs between your placenta and the baby’s umbilicus. The only reason why this happens is the frequent movements comprising of twists and turns which a baby performs in the womb.
Myth #7
Pregnant women should not soak in tubs
While it has been widely rumored that pregnant women can only take showers, baths are perfectly acceptable and do not cause infections. The one exception is — make sure that your water has not broken! Also, do ensure that your bath water temperature is controlled to avoid over-heating.
