For some reason, a lot of mum to be want to have a belly only pregnancy like the ones shown in magazines cover — perhaps it sounds “ideal” or seems like it will be easier to lose afterwards. How we gain weight in pregnancy depends on our body type and genetics. Some of it is out of our control.
So when we say “belly only pregnancy,” what it means is a healthy pregnancy where weight gain is mainly related to baby weight, extra amniotic fluid, etc.
Some women will gain a significant amount in the first trimester and less in the second. Meanwhile, others will experience the exact opposite or may even lose weight in the first trimester.
So here’s the breakup of the 30 pounds (close to 13 kilos) of weight that you are probably going to gain. Be assured that a majority of this weight is going to a very important purpose:
7 1/2 pounds(3.4kg) – Baby
1 1/2 pounds(0.5kg) – Placenta
4 pounds(1.8kg) – Increased Fluid Volume
2 pounds(0.9kg) – Uterus
2 pounds(0.9kg) – Breast Tissue
4 pounds(1.8kg) – Increased Blood Volume
7 pounds(3.4kg) – Maternal Stores of Fat, Protein, & Vitamins for Breastfeeding
2 pounds(0.9kg) – Amniotic Fluid
Total: 30 pounds
All-in-all, the majority of this weight is attributed to the necessary changes for baby to build its place in the uterus. For most moms, this weight will disappear relatively quickly after birth! (More in-depth on postpartum weight loss and the mommy pouch can be found here .) That remaining 7 pounds of fat will help feed your baby the first few months postpartum.
Is it okay to diet or try to lose weight while pregnant?
While many aunties and provide “safe” strategies for losing weight while pregnant, it’s generally not a good idea to actively diet during this time. If you are overweight, focus on eating a high-quality diet and incorporate 30-60 minutes of exercise into your routine every day. It is never a good idea to count calories or fast while pregnant.
First, “Let it Go”
The first thing you have to do when you find out that you’re pregnant is to let go of any need you feel to diet, count calories, be in shape and be hard on yourself. Feel happy. Feel blessed.
Your main focus is growing a healthy baby. Period.
If you always remained fit and trim before becoming pregnant, allowing yourself to gain weight sort of goes against everything and you may feel helpless. You might have worked hard to get this body, and now it’s all going it vain.
Take a chill pill. You will lose the weight afterwards. It might not be easy, and it might not be immediate, but you will lose the baby weight if you put in the effort. But the fact is, right now, you need to gain weight.
If you don’t gain enough weight, you’re putting your baby at risk and you could cause pregnancy complications or lasting health issues for both of you.
Your grace period
Let’s face it, the first trimester sucks for almost all of us.
You pregnancy news and the feeling will be blissful. However, your suffering is not going to be any less. You will have to go through intense morning sickness that will last over four months.
Your body energy will be feel completely drained and you wouldn’t be able to exercise. Your food aversions and nausea is not going to be any less. Anything that could gobble to make your stomach full is a blessing. One day it might be a cheese burger, the next it might be a salad.
Take things slowly during the first trimester. Eat whatever you can keep down, and skip any vigorous exercise or workout. It’s time to sit back and stomach in whatever you can. Ditch the treadmill and go out. Taking walks may be the best workout for you. The fresh air may even ease your nausea.
Some tips to keep your weight under check
1. Stop Eating When You’re Full
Cravings are part of pregnancy. You get pregnant only few times in your lifetime so you deserve to enjoy! However, the rest of the time it is important that you listen to your body and do not over ear. Give a break.
You can eat past your fullness on normal days, however during pregnancy it wouldn’t be possible with your a baby in there taking up all your extra internal space…and then some!
Your body tells you to stop, listen to it and drop the spoon. Say NO!
2. Try not to eat before 2 hours of your bed
This is one common thing that everyone can follow irrespective of being pregnant or not. As you get closer to bedtime, your body’s metabolism slows down, mainly because we are less active than we are during the day. Non-essential foods after you have already eaten dinner with very less efficient processing results in more calories getting stored as fat.
Hey wait, what about my dessert?
You do not have to completely deprive yourself of dessert. Just be mindful of what and when you eat it. Sitting in front of the TV or scrolling through your mobile with a bag of chips or cookies, leads to overconsumption, without even knowing how much you are consuming.
If you feel like eating, take a dessert bowl and have a scoop. You are the best person to know your limit and your craving. Whatever you eat, do give your body a couple of hours before you hit the sheets. Also, if you eat close to bedtime might also cause nasty heartburns.
3. There’s no way out – you ought to stay active
Before I got pregnant this time, you might have hit the gym regularly and atleast more often then how you do now. Your first trimester would have made you forget which street your gym was!
But then Second-trimester fitness is so important that only this will get you into a habit for the third trimester and after baby, as well as help you with the extra pounds that you gain during the period.
When you choose your prenatal exercise, do not start something that is completely unfamiliar or new. Stick to things that you’ve already tried and are experienced in, and modify that to meet your needs and ability as your pregnancy progresses.
If you’re unsure about choosing the exercises, walking is a safe bet. It’s also an activity that you can do fairly easily while pregnant and the whole family can do together. Unless your doctor instructs you otherwise, handsdown walking is a great way to stay active while pregnant.
4. Make Sleep a Priority
Amidst your growing belly, your nausea, your craving and other priorities, you should be needs to be getting at least 8 hours of sleep. Whether it is working a quick nap into your day or going to bed an hour earlier each night, make sleep a priority in your life and find a way to get more of it!
Not only will you feel better and refreshed (more sleep helped curb some of my worst morning sickness symptoms too), but getting enough sleep can help keep your weight gain in the healthy range.
5. Drink a lot of water
Probably this one of the most over-talked-about tip by anyone and everyone but it is because it is super important. You just need more water as a pregnant mum. When you drink a lot of water, it flushes your body. It also helps with your headaches and cravings.
I know that you are cheating your stomach and mind by making it feel full. Get yourself a huge water bottle, and bottle it down all day. Also, just be prepared to use the bathroom all the time. It is one of the consequences of drinking a lot. It’s just flushing your body. This will also help you if you are working out regularly and sweating. Anyways, this one is the least fun, but still very important.
Some women can truly achieve it, while others may only come close. A belly-only pregnancy is a great goal, but don’t stress if you gain some extra pounds elsewhere. Somebody types will store fat in certain areas of the body, like the thighs.
The most important goal is to gain a healthy amount of weight (about 25 pounds for most women carrying a singleton) and keep your body trim and fit. If you follow the above tips, you will show most of your weight in your belly, and look and feel amazing.
