Females and females are prone to belly fat gain during pregnancy because of a variety of hormonal and physiological changes that happen to support the growing foetus. belly fat during pregnancy The main causes:
- hormone changes Pregnancy causes higher levels of hormones like estrogen, progesterone and human gonadotropin (hCG). These hormones are responsible for the accumulation of abdominal fat region to supply energy for the mother and her growing baby.
- storage of nutrients The body stores fat in order to ensure that there enough nutrients to support the development of the baby and also to provide breastfeeding after the birth. The storage of fat is vital to provide energy during labor as well as to produce milk.
- Blood Volume Rise The blood volume in the body of a woman who is pregnant is increased by around 50 percent. This increases the supply of placenta as well as the fetus oxygen and nutrients, but it is also a factor in weight increase.
- Fluid Retention The process of pregnancy can lead to an increase in fluid retention. This can lead to swelling throughout the body including the abdomen.
- Growing of the Uterus and the Baby as the baby develops, the uterus expands and causes the belly to expand. The natural growth of the uterus is an important element in the rise of belly size in the pregnancy.
- diet changes Pregnant women could notice an increase in cravings and appetite which can lead to a higher calories consumed, which may cause fat accumulation.
- metabolic changes The pregnancy process alters the woman’s metabolism, ensuring that both mother and the baby receive the essential nutrients. These changes in metabolism could result in an increase in storage of fat.
These changes are natural and an essential aspect of pregnancy, helping to improve the health of the mother and her developing baby.
How Much Belly Fat Should I Have Before Conceiving?
A BMI of 24 or below is considered healthy; pregnant women who gain 25 pounds during gestation while still remaining within this range will remain a healthy BMI (Body Mass Index). This allows you to increase weight during pregnancy while keeping both BMI and weight within healthy parameters. belly fat during pregnancy.
A BMI of between 25-30 is thought to be overweight. It is recommended that you not gain more than 15 to 25 pounds during the course of your pregnancy. If your BMI is higher than 30, is thought to be to be obese and shouldn’t be gaining greater than 20 pounds during the course of your pregnancy.
Belly Fat and the First Trimester
Your early weeks of gestation (from when your pregnancy first starts until week 12) are likely to result in conception. In these first three months, your uterus won’t yet have expanded beyond your pelvic region to give that pregnant belly shape, leaving any belly fat you already accumulated within this region to remain.
It is unlikely that you will gain significantly more weight in the first trimester as you do in the final trimester. Prior to becoming pregnant, it is important to be aware of your weight starting point and keep track of your weight every week to make sure you aren’t gaining too much weight too fast.
It is less likely that you will gain weight in the first trimester due to morning sickness. It’s not just that you are likely to be suffering from nausea in the morning, also likely to be less inclined to an appetite during this period which could lead to some weight loss.
Belly Fat and the Second Trimester
The second trimester will begin in week 13. At this stage, pregnant women is likely to begin gaining energy and will likely gain appetite. It’s normal for women to put on between 10 to 15 pounds of extra weight in this second period. Do not increase over 15 lbs in the second trimester as in the 3rd trimester, that’s the time when you’ll begin to gain about 1/2 one pound every week.
In the second trimester the abdominal fat that you have begin to spread at this point when your uterus grows beyond the pelvic area to give you the look that is typical of a tummy that’s pregnant.
Belly Fat and the Third Trimester
At at the 3rd quarter of the third trimester (week 27) the belly should be showing the appearance of a pregnant belly. Although you may have belly fat that is dispersed, your belly will appear pregnant to it, regardless if you were not overweight or obese prior to when the pregnancy started.
At this stage, it’s best to keep an eye on your weight to ensure it doesn’t increase more than once per week. Your baby may put on weight more rapidly during this period; however, that doesn’t have to translate to weight gains for you; one pound per week should equal around one of your baby’s weight at this stage.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy During Pregnancy
DRINK PLENTY OF WATER
A healthy body water content is essential for all however, it’s especially crucial for women who are pregnant. Baby will soon be enveloped by amniotic fluid and start drinking it as early as week 12, therefore it is crucial to ensure there’s plenty of water in your body that can sustain for both yourself and the newborn.
DO NOT EAT BEFORE BED
It is essential to rest when you’re pregnant. Avoid eating right before bed because your body stores foods as fat cells usually in your stomach. Take a good night’s rest and do not eat before bedtime to ensure an appropriate weight throughout pregnancy. It is also important to keep a healthy eating plan to prevent excess fat and excessive weight growth.
While the full impact could take a while to manifest, by the conclusion in your 2nd trimester the fat in your belly will be able to dissipate, and then spread throughout your abdomen which gives it the appearance of a typical pregnancy belly. Make sure you keep track of your weight increase by keeping a journal of your food intake and regularly taking measurements on your scale.
