Why do we care so much about pregnancy weight gain? The research on this subject is pretty clear. The incidence of pregnancy complications is higher in the upper and lower extremes of weight gain. Generally your health care provider will give you an idea of the amount of weight gain that is optimum for you and your baby.
So, what do you do the month you get on the scale and you find you gained 8 pounds? First, forgive yourself. Secondly, remember that the 8 pounds is history now. Look at the past weeks and see if you can pinpoint any major contributing factors to your pregnancy weight gain. Once you recognize possible causes you can find ways to deal with them.
If you find you are having real problems getting a handle on your pregnancy weight gain, see if there is a nutritionist or dietitian available for you to talk to about the problem. Enjoy your food. Your weight gain is one part of your pregnancy. Don't let the scale ruin your joy and enjoyment of this pregnancy.
There are women on the other side of the needle of the scale. You get on the scale thinking you'll have gained at least 3 pounds and instead you lost a pound or gained 1/2 a pound. My advice is the same. What can you learn from it looking back on your eating habits? Sometimes just changing to a healthier diet can cause a loss.
