Exercise and Weight Gain During And After Pregnancy

Weight Gain During Pregnancy

The amount of weight a woman should gain during her pregnancy depends on her weight prior to becoming pregnant. Excess weight gain and failure to lose this weight six months postpartum are predictors of long-term obesity.

Weight Gain Norms during Pregnancy

Normal weight prior to pregnancy: 25-32 lbs.
Overweight prior to pregnancy: 15 lbs.
Underweight prior to pregnancy: 40 lbs.

Exercise Risks For Pregnant Women

Physician approval for exercise is always required for pregnant women. Risks for the mother include hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), fatigue, and muscoskeletal injuries. The baby is at risk for hyperthermia (overheating) and decreased uterine blood flow. The mother should stop exercising before fatigue sets in and follow the recommended guidelines for exercise mode, frequency, intensity, and duration. Should any of the following warning signs occur, exercise should be discontinued and the mother should consult her physician.

Exercise Warning Signs during Pregnancy

Vaginal Bleeding
Muscle Weakness
Shortness of breath prior to exercise
Calf pain or swelling
Dizziness
Preterm Labor
Headache
Decreased Fetal Movement
Chest Pain
Amniotic Fluid Leakage

Learn how to lose weight the right way and get My Fitness Hut's 7-Day Weight Loss And Fat Loss e-Course! The e-Course is FREE!

"Exercise is not my life.....exercise makes my life better!"

Check out my other great blogs:

Her Fitness Hut Blog Her Fitness Hut is featured on EmpowHER, a great health issues website for women! Her Fitness Hut has also been named in the Top 50 Personal Training Blogs by Physical Therapy Assistant Schools!

Sports Fitness Hut Blog has been recognized by Stanford University Wellsphere as the #1 Sports Fitness Blog and NursingDegree.net as one of the Best 100 Health and Nutrition Blogs for Athletes! The blog has also been named as one of the "50 Best Sports Medicine Blogs by Masters In Healthcare! It is an honor to be recognized by those in the health and academic fields! Afterall, health is number one for everybody---including athletes!