early-pregnancy.info

On average, total weight gain for the entire pregnancy should be around 12.5 kg to 18 kg.

IF YOU ARE SHORT and of small build, then the weight increase should be less than your bigger peers. On the other hand, taller and larger women can afford to put on 18 kg or slightly more. Women who gain more than what is required tend to have larger than normal babies and this increases their risk of Caesarean delivery. Other concerns include diffculty in losing the extra pounds post-pregnancy, diabetes and high blood pressure.

WHEN SHOULD MOST OF THE WEIGHT GAIN OCCUR?

Mainly in the second and third trimesters. In the first trimester, you will only need an extra 100 calories a day.

QUALITY, NOT QUANTITY

More important then the quantity of food you consume during pregnancy is the quality of it.

IRON

What’s it good for?

1. To produce haemoglobin in borh mother’s and baby’s red blood cells, which makes oxygen being carried in the blood causes tiredness.
2. Prevents anaemis.
3. Helps baby gain sufficient weight and prevents premature delivery.

Sources: lean red meat, fich, dried beans and peas, whole grains and green leafy vegetables. Supplements may be required for anaimic women.

VITAMIN C

What’s it good for”

1. Helps improve iron absoption.
2. Increases folic acid absorption.
3. Reduces pre-eclampsia risk.
4. maintains a good healthy immune system.

Sources: Oranges, lemons, limes, broccoli, capsicums, tomatoes, spinach and other dark leafy greens. Vitamins C is easily destroyed so cook such foods lightly.

PROTEINS

What’s it good for?

Essential for the development of the baby.

Sources: Fish, lean meat, peas, nuts, milk, yoghurt, cheese, eggs and beans. Proteins are made up of amino acids; animal proteins contain all the essential amino acids. Works together with Vitamin B6.

NAUSEA

Contrary to movies, not all expectant women suffer from “moming sickness” and the nausea can strike anytime during the day, especially if you’re tired and hungry. There’s good news - moming sickness usually ceases by the third month and you can ease it by eating several small meals during the day, avoiding oily and fatty foods and drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration - especially if you’re vomiting frequently If you can’t keep any food or drink down for more than 24 hours, consult your gynaecologist.

OEDEMA

This form of swelling, is normal during pregnancy and is due to fluid accumulation. Most women notice the swelling especially in the legs and ankles; to ease the problems:

• Elevate your legs
• Avoid standing for long periods
• Wear comfortable, roomy shoes
• Remember to rotate your ankles regularly
• Avoid wearing rings if you fingers are swollen

Watch out for signs of pre-eclampsia, like sudden swelling in your face or hands, a weight gain of more than 2kg a week, dizziness, persistent heartburn, visual problems or continuous headaches.

VAGINAL DISCHARGE

This slight increase is normal and is usually dear and whitish. You may notice a slightly thicker discharge or a more watery one closer to the delivery. It’s time to start making appointments with your doctor if you notice vaginal itching, burning, odour, an unusual discharge, pain, exposure to a sexually-tranmitted disease, or have recently been keated with antibiotics.

VARICOSE VEINS

The bane of most expectant women, these swollen veins appear most often in the legs but can also appear near the vulva and vagina. Just like leg cramps, they’re caused by the pressure from the uterus on your veins and often develop if you stand or sit for long periods of time. Use the same methods for easing eg cramps if you suffer from varicose veins.

OTHER DISCOMFORTS DUE TO THE UTERUS

There are other problem that are enlarging uterus can cause:

• More frequent urination: the uterus presses on your bladder.
• Indigestion or heartburn or constipation: your stomach is squashed
• Shooting pains in the legs because the uterus pressess on nerves in the lower back.
• Additional strain on the back and spineBreathlessness: the uterus presses upwards on the diaphragm

Try eating more fibre. The bulk helps keep the food flowing and improves digestion; you could also drink more water to ease the constipation. When your back and legs ache and you get more breathless, the easy solutions is to simply slow down.