Weight and Pregnancy

Thursday, December 24th, 2009

Just six months ago, I witnessed "The Miracle of Birth" for the first time when the cat I adopted gave birth to four kittens. My friends and family thought it was funny because I was running around in a panic trying to decide whether to boil water or fetch clean towels.

I was so astonished to see how Mother Nature had really already taken care of everything, and certainly needed no intervention on my behalf.

Many women go completely nuts when their "girlish figure" starts to look pregnant. They are so determined to get back to their previous weight, that I think they don't gain the weight they need for a healthy baby.

How much weight should a woman gain during pregnancy? It varies by body type, but at least over twenty pounds. Last week on Martha Stewart she interviewed the doctors who are the authors of You Having a Baby who showed this chart:

• Baby weight plus
• Placenta - 1 pound
• Amniotic Fluid - 2 pounds
• Tissue Fluid - 6.5 pounds
• Breasts - 1 pound
• Uterus - 2 pounds
• Fat - 6 pounds
• Blood Volume - 2.5 pounds

If you are pregnant, it's important to take care of yourself and your baby. Always seek medical advice from your physician.

Best wishes for a healthy baby and congratulations!

-- Gary Wright II

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