Next to being fearful that something may be wrong with our developing baby, the greatest fear many women have is whether they are gaining too much weight during pregnancy.
So let’s cut straight to the chase…

It is my opinion that if couples gain awareness about “real health” prior to conception and focus on being in optimal physical and emotional health at the time of conception, weight gain is generally not an issue during pregnancy.

This way, the couple are likely to be at their ideal weight at the time of conception, they are also vibrant and well within themselves. If couples prior to conception are focused on feeding their minds and bodies wholesome lifestyle habits, then the measuring scales are generally unnecessary.
Irrespective, so I can address those emails asking about appropriate weight gain and to address the needs of our analytical brains, (that voice that incessantly wonders about facts and figures) the guidelines for weight gain during pregnancy from The Institute of Medicine (IOM) are as follows:
  • Underweight women (BMI <18.5) should gain 28-40 pounds.
  • Normal-weight women (BMI, 18.5-24.9) should gain 25-35 pounds.
  • Overweight women (BMI, 25-29.9) should gain 15-25 pounds.
  • Obese women (BMI, 30 or higher) should gain 11-20 pounds.

*Weight gain guidelines are for singleton pregnancy; weight gain should be higher for multiple pregnancies.

*Other important variables to take into consideration regarding recommended weight gain, are the mother’s age and the mother’s weight prior to pregnancy.

Looking at these figures poses the question -
What are the Dangers of Gaining toooooooo Much Weight During Pregnancy?
Well over the last twenty years more and more research has been completed to better understand the effects of weight gain during pregnancy on the health of both the mother and the infant. Seemingly, according to research, women of childbearing age have become heavier, with the trade-off being maternal and child health.

Excessive weight gain is associated with an increased risk for:
  • gestational diabetes,
  • pregnancy-associated hypertension,
  • and delivery of large-for-gestational-age infants.

    • At any point in life there is a cost for being overweight. More than ever though, excessive weight gain during pregnancy will not only jeopardise your health but the health of your little one. So if you were over-weight prior to conception, or if you are a candidate for gestational diabetes and you feel unclear about how to approach the remaining few months of your pregnancy, please know that there are many skilled Allied Health practitioners who can holistically guide you throughout all stages of pregnancy. Practitioners who can guide you on diet, exercise and all aspects of healthy lifestyle options during your pregnancy.

    If you were an ideal weight prior to pregnancy and you are simply curious about how many kilo’s are deemed ‘okay’, then remember to focus on healthy lifestyle habits that honour you and your baby. As your pregnancy progresses, the weight of your baby can become a major load to bear and hormonal changes begin to relax the supporting tissues of the spine. It is vitally important that your spine maintains correct alignment, as research shows that correct alignment of the pelvis and spine contributes to a more straightforward labour with less pain and trauma for mother and child.

    A study conducted by Dr Irvin Henderson MD (a member of the American Medical Association Board of Trustees) demonstrated that, “Women who received chiropractic adjustments in their third trimester were able to carry and deliver their child with much more comfort.”

    I believe an important part of self-care during pregnancy for you and your baby involves seeing a wellness orientated chiropractor. I suggest finding a recommended chiropractor in your area.

    With love and respect

    Jennifer

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