There is a lot of misinformation out there on when you can get pregnant and when you can’t. In high school sex education classes, many of us remember being told you can get pregnant if you have sex at any time during your cycle. Telling teenagers that they can get pregnant at any time may be an effective way of encouraging them to wait to have sex, but the information is far from accurate.
To get pregnant, you need to have sex before you ovulate, with the two to three days prior to ovulation being your most fertile days.
Predicting Ovulation and the Day 14 Myth
Something else often heard, even from doctors, is that ovulation is on day 14 of the menstrual cycle (with day one being the day you get your period). Some women hear this and decide to plan to have sex on day 14. The problem is that many women don’t ovulate on day 14 of their cycle. Normal ovulation can occur as early as day 10 and as late as day 20 (or even later, especially if your cycles are irregular).
So how can you predict when you will ovulate?
But research says that the best day for sexual intercourse when trying to get pregnant is the day you notice the most fertile cervical mucus. Fertile cervical mucus is cervical discharge that resembles raw egg-white and typically appears on the days prior before ovulation.
Why Waiting for Ovulation Isn’t the Best Idea
Sometimes we get so obsessed about having sex at the right time, we neglect sex at other times during the cycle. Sex begins to feel more like a chore, becoming less about love and connection. This can put tremendous stress on a relationship.
Beyond that, though, there are other reasons not to wait that pertain to your fertility itself.
If you try to time sex only for ovulation, you’re more likely to miss your opportunity. If you’re waiting and waiting for ovulation signs, you could miss them or they could occur when sex just isn’t possible.
Research does say that sex during the six days prior to ovulation does indeed have the possibility of resulting in pregnancy. If you plan on having sex two to three times a week, regardless of fertility signs, you’re likely to have sex at least once during this six-day time period. This is less stressful than trying to time sex for a particular few days.
In addition, research studies have shown that after 10 days of abstinence, sperm quality and quantity is greatly diminished. Sperm quality and quantity peaks, however, after one or two days of abstinence.
If you’ve waited to have sex until you have signs of ovulation, and you haven’t had sex for several days before, the sperm your partner provides may not be as fertile. You may be at your most fertile time, but he won’t be at his peak fertility.
Showing posts with label Pregnancy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pregnancy. Show all posts
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Why Do I Sometimes Feel Pregnant When I Am Not Pregnant?
Feeling pregnant? Maybe you have been trying to get pregnant for a while and have months when you think you’re pregnant, only to find out that, nope, you’re not. If yes, you are not alone.
The experience of feeling pregnant when trying to get pregnant isn’t uncommon. Spend any time on fertility message boards, and you’re bound to hear members refer to "imaginary pregnancy symptoms." You probably have experienced imaginary pregnancy symptoms yourself.
Imaginary Pregnancy Symptoms
Imaginary Pregnancy Symptoms (IPS) are exactly what they sound like — symptoms a woman experiences that make her think that she may be pregnant. Don’t expect to hear your doctor use the term IPS; it’s not a technical term. The phrase was invented on fertility message boards around the world as a loving way to refer to those “symptoms” that make us feel pregnant.
The time between ovulation and your expected period is when you’re most likely to be anxious about whether or not this month will be the month. It’s natural to assume that you may imagine some early pregnancy symptoms, such as tender breasts, fatigue, bloating, emotional sensitivity, light cramping and even food cravings. Much like an oasis in the desert, you want to be pregnant so much that you’re sure you can feel it.
Feeling Pregnant — Not Completely Imaginary?
What may surprise you is that these feelings aren’t all in your head. They’re real reactions to the hormones in your body that are preparing for possible pregnancy. Our bodies are optimistic when it comes to pregnancy potential, and as soon as ovulation occurs, the body prepares itself for new life, even if conception did not take place.
One of the hormones responsible for many imaginary pregnancy symptoms is progesterone, which increases just after ovulation and drops when your period comes (if you’re not pregnant). Also, if you’re taking fertility drugs, their side effects can sometimes be mistaken for early pregnancy symptoms.
It’d be nice if we could just feel whether we’re pregnant or not, and it sure would cut down the anxiety of the 2-week wait. The symptoms of early pregnancy, though, are practically indistinguishable from normal premenstrual symptoms.
The Bottom Line on Feeling Pregnant
While your "pregnant feelings" aren't 100% imagined, you can feel worse the more you focus on the feelings. It helps to remind yourself that whether you feel pregnant or not, it doesn’t mean anything. Some women are sure they are pregnant, complete with throwing up in the morning, and then find out they’re not. Some women feel absolutely nothing and find out they’re pregnant after all.
The only way to know if you’re pregnant is to wait out the 2-week wait and take a pregnancy test when your period is overdue.
The experience of feeling pregnant when trying to get pregnant isn’t uncommon. Spend any time on fertility message boards, and you’re bound to hear members refer to "imaginary pregnancy symptoms." You probably have experienced imaginary pregnancy symptoms yourself.
Imaginary Pregnancy Symptoms
Imaginary Pregnancy Symptoms (IPS) are exactly what they sound like — symptoms a woman experiences that make her think that she may be pregnant. Don’t expect to hear your doctor use the term IPS; it’s not a technical term. The phrase was invented on fertility message boards around the world as a loving way to refer to those “symptoms” that make us feel pregnant.
The time between ovulation and your expected period is when you’re most likely to be anxious about whether or not this month will be the month. It’s natural to assume that you may imagine some early pregnancy symptoms, such as tender breasts, fatigue, bloating, emotional sensitivity, light cramping and even food cravings. Much like an oasis in the desert, you want to be pregnant so much that you’re sure you can feel it.
Feeling Pregnant — Not Completely Imaginary?
What may surprise you is that these feelings aren’t all in your head. They’re real reactions to the hormones in your body that are preparing for possible pregnancy. Our bodies are optimistic when it comes to pregnancy potential, and as soon as ovulation occurs, the body prepares itself for new life, even if conception did not take place.
One of the hormones responsible for many imaginary pregnancy symptoms is progesterone, which increases just after ovulation and drops when your period comes (if you’re not pregnant). Also, if you’re taking fertility drugs, their side effects can sometimes be mistaken for early pregnancy symptoms.
It’d be nice if we could just feel whether we’re pregnant or not, and it sure would cut down the anxiety of the 2-week wait. The symptoms of early pregnancy, though, are practically indistinguishable from normal premenstrual symptoms.
The Bottom Line on Feeling Pregnant
While your "pregnant feelings" aren't 100% imagined, you can feel worse the more you focus on the feelings. It helps to remind yourself that whether you feel pregnant or not, it doesn’t mean anything. Some women are sure they are pregnant, complete with throwing up in the morning, and then find out they’re not. Some women feel absolutely nothing and find out they’re pregnant after all.
The only way to know if you’re pregnant is to wait out the 2-week wait and take a pregnancy test when your period is overdue.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Is It Safe to Have Sex During Pregnancy?
If you're having a normal pregnancy, sex is considered safe during all stages of the pregnancy.
So what's a "normal pregnancy"? It's one that's considered low-risk for complications such as miscarriage or pre-term labor. Talk to your doctor, nurse-midwife, or other pregnancy health care provider if you're uncertain about whether you fall into this category.
Of course, just because sex is safe during pregnancy doesn't mean you'll necessarily want to have it! Many expectant mothers find that their desire for sex fluctuates during certain stages in the pregnancy. Also, many women find that sex becomes uncomfortable as their bodies get larger.
You and your partner need to keep the lines of communication open regarding your sexual relationship. Talk about other ways to satisfy your need for intimacy, such as kissing, caressing, and holding each other. You also may need to experiment with other positions for sex to find those that are the most comfortable.
Many women find that they lose their desire and motivation for sex late in the pregnancy - not only because of their size but also because they're preoccupied with the impending delivery and the excitement of becoming a new parent.
When It's Not Safe
There are two types of sexual behavior that aren't safe for any pregnant woman:
If you engage in oral sex, your partner should not blow air into your vagina.
Blowing air can cause an air embolism (a blockage of a blood vessel by an air bubble), which can be potentially fatal for mother and child.
You should not have sex with a partner whose sexual history is unknown to you or who may have a sexually transmitted disease, such as herpes, genital warts, chlamydia, or HIV. If you become infected, the disease may be transmitted to your baby, with potentially dangerous consequences.
If your doctor, nurse-midwife, or other pregnancy health care provider anticipates or detects certain significant complications with your pregnancy, he or she is likely to advise against sexual intercourse. The most common risk factors include:
-a history or threat of miscarriage
-a history of pre-term labor (you've previously delivered a baby before 37 weeks) or signs indicating the risk of pre-term labor (such as premature uterine contractions)
-unexplained vaginal bleeding, discharge, or cramping
-leakage of amniotic fluid (the fluid that surrounds the baby)
-placenta previa, a condition in which the placenta (the blood-rich structure that nourishes the baby) is situated down so low that it covers the cervix (the opening of the uterus)
-incompetent cervix, a condition in which the cervix is weakened and dilates (opens) prematurely, raising the risk for miscarriage or premature delivery
-multiple fetuses (you're having twins, triplets, etc.)
So what's a "normal pregnancy"? It's one that's considered low-risk for complications such as miscarriage or pre-term labor. Talk to your doctor, nurse-midwife, or other pregnancy health care provider if you're uncertain about whether you fall into this category.
Of course, just because sex is safe during pregnancy doesn't mean you'll necessarily want to have it! Many expectant mothers find that their desire for sex fluctuates during certain stages in the pregnancy. Also, many women find that sex becomes uncomfortable as their bodies get larger.
You and your partner need to keep the lines of communication open regarding your sexual relationship. Talk about other ways to satisfy your need for intimacy, such as kissing, caressing, and holding each other. You also may need to experiment with other positions for sex to find those that are the most comfortable.
Many women find that they lose their desire and motivation for sex late in the pregnancy - not only because of their size but also because they're preoccupied with the impending delivery and the excitement of becoming a new parent.
When It's Not Safe
There are two types of sexual behavior that aren't safe for any pregnant woman:
If you engage in oral sex, your partner should not blow air into your vagina.
Blowing air can cause an air embolism (a blockage of a blood vessel by an air bubble), which can be potentially fatal for mother and child.
You should not have sex with a partner whose sexual history is unknown to you or who may have a sexually transmitted disease, such as herpes, genital warts, chlamydia, or HIV. If you become infected, the disease may be transmitted to your baby, with potentially dangerous consequences.
If your doctor, nurse-midwife, or other pregnancy health care provider anticipates or detects certain significant complications with your pregnancy, he or she is likely to advise against sexual intercourse. The most common risk factors include:
-a history or threat of miscarriage
-a history of pre-term labor (you've previously delivered a baby before 37 weeks) or signs indicating the risk of pre-term labor (such as premature uterine contractions)
-unexplained vaginal bleeding, discharge, or cramping
-leakage of amniotic fluid (the fluid that surrounds the baby)
-placenta previa, a condition in which the placenta (the blood-rich structure that nourishes the baby) is situated down so low that it covers the cervix (the opening of the uterus)
-incompetent cervix, a condition in which the cervix is weakened and dilates (opens) prematurely, raising the risk for miscarriage or premature delivery
-multiple fetuses (you're having twins, triplets, etc.)
Common Pregnancy Myths
Pregnancy myths may vary from generation to generation and from region to region. Myths your grandmother in Texas claims are true might be different from what your uncle in Alaska believes. Here are a few of the most common pregnancy myths:
Myth: Standing on your head after sex can increase your chances of becoming pregnant.
Truth: Although some experts say that lying down after sex for 20 to 30 minutes can boost your chances of conception because it keeps the sperm inside you, standing on your head has not been proven to aid in conception (and you might hurt your neck while trying to do it!).
Myth: The shape and height of your belly can indicate your baby's sex.
Truth: The popular belief that women carrying boys carry low and that women carrying girls carry high just isn't true. The shape and height of your belly is determined by your muscle tone, uterine tone, and the position the baby is in. That's why someone may think you're having a boy because you're carrying low, when actually the baby just dropped lower into the pelvis because you're closer to delivery. So, what's the most accurate way to determine your baby's sex? Talk to your doctor about getting an ultrasound.
Myth: Fetal heart rate can indicate your baby's sex.
Truth: A normal fetal heart rate is between 120 and 160 beats per minute (bpm), although some people think if it's faster (usually above the 140 bpm range) it's a girl and if it's slower it's a boy. But there have been no studies that conclusively show that heart rate is a predictor for a baby's gender. Your baby's heart rate will probably differ from prenatal visit to prenatal visit anyway - depending on the age of the fetus and activity level at the time of the visit.
Myth: The shape and fullness of your face during pregnancy can indicate your baby's sex.
Truth: Every woman gains weight differently during pregnancy, and every woman experiences different skin changes. If people tell you that because your face is round and rosy you're having a girl, they might be right - but it's just as likely that they're wrong!
Myth: Standing on your head after sex can increase your chances of becoming pregnant.
Truth: Although some experts say that lying down after sex for 20 to 30 minutes can boost your chances of conception because it keeps the sperm inside you, standing on your head has not been proven to aid in conception (and you might hurt your neck while trying to do it!).
Myth: The shape and height of your belly can indicate your baby's sex.
Truth: The popular belief that women carrying boys carry low and that women carrying girls carry high just isn't true. The shape and height of your belly is determined by your muscle tone, uterine tone, and the position the baby is in. That's why someone may think you're having a boy because you're carrying low, when actually the baby just dropped lower into the pelvis because you're closer to delivery. So, what's the most accurate way to determine your baby's sex? Talk to your doctor about getting an ultrasound.
Myth: Fetal heart rate can indicate your baby's sex.
Truth: A normal fetal heart rate is between 120 and 160 beats per minute (bpm), although some people think if it's faster (usually above the 140 bpm range) it's a girl and if it's slower it's a boy. But there have been no studies that conclusively show that heart rate is a predictor for a baby's gender. Your baby's heart rate will probably differ from prenatal visit to prenatal visit anyway - depending on the age of the fetus and activity level at the time of the visit.
Myth: The shape and fullness of your face during pregnancy can indicate your baby's sex.
Truth: Every woman gains weight differently during pregnancy, and every woman experiences different skin changes. If people tell you that because your face is round and rosy you're having a girl, they might be right - but it's just as likely that they're wrong!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Childbirth Options
As you are approaching the last few weeks of your pregnancy you will be getting quite anxious. This period can be traumatic, but you’ll be more at ease if you and your partner are prepared for this life changing experience.
Planning Ahead for Childbirth
Learn all you can about the birthing process. Most hospital and birth centers offer antenatal classes that go through the birth process, so be sure to take your partner along. These classes will teach you about the different stages of labor and what to expect at each stage.
At your prenatal classes and during your doctor or midwife appointments, be sure to ask about these important issues:
* When to go to the hospital (if you are having a hospital birth)
* What to expect when you get there
* What pain-relief options will you be offered (if any)
* What possible emergency situations may occur
* What resources are available to you
* When would it be necessary for you to have a cesarean section
* What will happen immediately after giving birth
How Does Labor Begin?
Although labor begins differently for each woman, there are some definite signs that the baby is on the way:
* You experience contractions
* Your water breaks
* You have the "bloody show"; this is a vaginal discharge of blood-tinged mucus
Normal Vaginal Delivery (NVD)
Most women should be strong and healthy enough to deliver their baby with an uncomplicated NVD. During delivery, your doctor or midwife performs certain procedures such as:
* Vaginal examination: Performed regularly to monitor your progress
* Enema: May be given to empty the colon to prevent defecation (passing of stool) during labor
* Intravenous line: May be inserted into you arm to administer fluids or painkillers
* Fetal monitoring: An external ultrasound monitor is placed on your tummy to monitor your baby’s wellbeing if your cervix has not fully dilated. If your water has broken, an internal monitor could be used.
Assiting Procedures
Here are some common procedures used to assist during delivery when nature needs a little hand:
* Inducing labor: Contractions are stimulated by using medication or by amniotomy (breaking of the waters by making a tear in the amniotic membrane by using a small plastic hook). Reasons for inducing labor could be post-term pregnancy, high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes mellitus, previous stillbirth or premature rupture of membranes.
* Episiotomy: A small cut, done under local anesthetic, is made to enlarge the vaginal opening when the baby’s head is crowning to prevent the muscles from tearing
* Vacuum extraction: Used to assist the mother if she becomes too exhausted or if the baby shows any sign of distress. A small cup is placed on the baby’s head and a slight suction is applied.
* Forceps: Instruments used to guide the baby’s head out of the birth canal
If these methods are applied and fail and the mother is still struggling or the baby is in distress then a caesarean section may be necessary.
Planning Ahead for Childbirth
Learn all you can about the birthing process. Most hospital and birth centers offer antenatal classes that go through the birth process, so be sure to take your partner along. These classes will teach you about the different stages of labor and what to expect at each stage.
At your prenatal classes and during your doctor or midwife appointments, be sure to ask about these important issues:
* When to go to the hospital (if you are having a hospital birth)
* What to expect when you get there
* What pain-relief options will you be offered (if any)
* What possible emergency situations may occur
* What resources are available to you
* When would it be necessary for you to have a cesarean section
* What will happen immediately after giving birth
How Does Labor Begin?
Although labor begins differently for each woman, there are some definite signs that the baby is on the way:
* You experience contractions
* Your water breaks
* You have the "bloody show"; this is a vaginal discharge of blood-tinged mucus
Normal Vaginal Delivery (NVD)
Most women should be strong and healthy enough to deliver their baby with an uncomplicated NVD. During delivery, your doctor or midwife performs certain procedures such as:
* Vaginal examination: Performed regularly to monitor your progress
* Enema: May be given to empty the colon to prevent defecation (passing of stool) during labor
* Intravenous line: May be inserted into you arm to administer fluids or painkillers
* Fetal monitoring: An external ultrasound monitor is placed on your tummy to monitor your baby’s wellbeing if your cervix has not fully dilated. If your water has broken, an internal monitor could be used.
Assiting Procedures
Here are some common procedures used to assist during delivery when nature needs a little hand:
* Inducing labor: Contractions are stimulated by using medication or by amniotomy (breaking of the waters by making a tear in the amniotic membrane by using a small plastic hook). Reasons for inducing labor could be post-term pregnancy, high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes mellitus, previous stillbirth or premature rupture of membranes.
* Episiotomy: A small cut, done under local anesthetic, is made to enlarge the vaginal opening when the baby’s head is crowning to prevent the muscles from tearing
* Vacuum extraction: Used to assist the mother if she becomes too exhausted or if the baby shows any sign of distress. A small cup is placed on the baby’s head and a slight suction is applied.
* Forceps: Instruments used to guide the baby’s head out of the birth canal
If these methods are applied and fail and the mother is still struggling or the baby is in distress then a caesarean section may be necessary.
5 Reasons to Talk to Your OB About Your Pregnancy Weight Gain
Weight gain and pregnancy do go together, but that doesn't make it a pleasant or easy conversation. You should be sure to talk to your practitioner about what special needs you may have if you experience any of the following issues during pregnancy:
1. You have special diet restrictions or needs.
If you are a vegetarian, vegan or have other special needs in pregnancy, it is important to discuss with your practitioner about your weight gain and dietary needs. It is possible to have a very healthy pregnancy without meat and/or dairy, however, you will need to be informed and committed to your dietary needs.
2. You're overweight.
Being overweight when you're pregnant will get you a lot of pressure about your weight gain. The important thing to remember is that you must gain weight. Some practitioners recommend that you only gain between 10-15 pounds. You should choose a weight gain goal based on a discussion with your doctor or midwife. Having someone to guide you might help each pound count and make your weight be less of an issue. Keeping your weight in check can also help to stave off certain pregnancy complications that may be more likely to occur when you're overweight.
3. You're underweight.
When you are starting a pregnancy being underweight it may be more important for you to also gain weight early in pregnancy. Your pregnancy may take its toll on your body in many ways, the calories you take in for you and your baby are important. Some practitioners will advise you to gain slightly more weight than average, between 35-45 pounds, depending on where you are starting. Some of this may also take into account how healthy you are and why you are underweight.
4. You have a history of an eating disorder.
Past or present eating disorders can play havoc with you in pregnancy. It is imperative that you confide in your practitioner and continue having a dialogue. Weight gain is a necessary part of pregnancy and even many years later, it can cause issues for women with disordered eating.
5. You are expecting twins or higher order multiples.
How to determine what you should gain is also dependent on how many babies you are busy growing. The truly important part with multiple pregnancy is also the pattern of weight gain. It is very important for you to gain weight early in pregnancy since multiple pregnancies tend to be shorter. So consider gaining about 20 pounds by around the 20th week of pregnancy. This can help increase the weight of each baby helping to prevent low birth weight in the event of preterm labor.
Your midwife or doctor should discuss your nutritional needs as well as weight issues. You should talk to them about your thoughts and feelings about gaining weight. You should also consider asking for a referral to a dietitian or someone who specializes in nutrition and pregnancy, particularly related to your above issue.
It is possible to have a healthy baby even with a pregnancy that requires special attention. The good news is that, unlike other complications or issues, what you eat is completely in your hands.
1. You have special diet restrictions or needs.
If you are a vegetarian, vegan or have other special needs in pregnancy, it is important to discuss with your practitioner about your weight gain and dietary needs. It is possible to have a very healthy pregnancy without meat and/or dairy, however, you will need to be informed and committed to your dietary needs.
2. You're overweight.
Being overweight when you're pregnant will get you a lot of pressure about your weight gain. The important thing to remember is that you must gain weight. Some practitioners recommend that you only gain between 10-15 pounds. You should choose a weight gain goal based on a discussion with your doctor or midwife. Having someone to guide you might help each pound count and make your weight be less of an issue. Keeping your weight in check can also help to stave off certain pregnancy complications that may be more likely to occur when you're overweight.
3. You're underweight.
When you are starting a pregnancy being underweight it may be more important for you to also gain weight early in pregnancy. Your pregnancy may take its toll on your body in many ways, the calories you take in for you and your baby are important. Some practitioners will advise you to gain slightly more weight than average, between 35-45 pounds, depending on where you are starting. Some of this may also take into account how healthy you are and why you are underweight.
4. You have a history of an eating disorder.
Past or present eating disorders can play havoc with you in pregnancy. It is imperative that you confide in your practitioner and continue having a dialogue. Weight gain is a necessary part of pregnancy and even many years later, it can cause issues for women with disordered eating.
5. You are expecting twins or higher order multiples.
How to determine what you should gain is also dependent on how many babies you are busy growing. The truly important part with multiple pregnancy is also the pattern of weight gain. It is very important for you to gain weight early in pregnancy since multiple pregnancies tend to be shorter. So consider gaining about 20 pounds by around the 20th week of pregnancy. This can help increase the weight of each baby helping to prevent low birth weight in the event of preterm labor.
Your midwife or doctor should discuss your nutritional needs as well as weight issues. You should talk to them about your thoughts and feelings about gaining weight. You should also consider asking for a referral to a dietitian or someone who specializes in nutrition and pregnancy, particularly related to your above issue.
It is possible to have a healthy baby even with a pregnancy that requires special attention. The good news is that, unlike other complications or issues, what you eat is completely in your hands.
Twin Pregnancy : How Much Weight Will I Gain?
Women are always concerned about the amount of weight they will gain during pregnancy, worrying about how it will affect their figure. As you might suspect, a woman who is having multiples will see more of an increase on her scale than if she were only having one baby. It's not just that she's eating more. The extra weight can be attributed not just to the babies' combined weights, but also to extra fluid, tissue, uterine growth and the increased blood volume needed to supply the placenta(s) with nourishment for two or more babies.
Generally, a healthy pregnancy requires that a woman gain 25 to 30 pounds during the nine month gestation period. But that's for just one baby. Like everything about having multiples, more is required. Doctor recommendations vary, but most women gain about 35 to 45 pounds during a twin pregnancy, with about 10 additional pounds for every additional baby in a higher order multiple pregnancy. In most cases, about a third of the weight belongs to the babies.
Although the thought of gaining weight can be daunting, it's vitally important for the health of the babies, and for mom, too. It takes an incredible amount of energy to sustain a twin or multiple pregnancy. Maternal fat stores supply some of that energy, especially in the last trimester, when the babies are taking in every bit of nutrition that mom can ingest! That's why it's important to eat a healthy diet throughout pregnancy, and build up the fat stores to sustain your health in the later months.
Discuss your nutritional needs with your doctor or caregiver, and don't worry about the soaring scale. You've got your babies' best interests at heart!
Generally, a healthy pregnancy requires that a woman gain 25 to 30 pounds during the nine month gestation period. But that's for just one baby. Like everything about having multiples, more is required. Doctor recommendations vary, but most women gain about 35 to 45 pounds during a twin pregnancy, with about 10 additional pounds for every additional baby in a higher order multiple pregnancy. In most cases, about a third of the weight belongs to the babies.
Although the thought of gaining weight can be daunting, it's vitally important for the health of the babies, and for mom, too. It takes an incredible amount of energy to sustain a twin or multiple pregnancy. Maternal fat stores supply some of that energy, especially in the last trimester, when the babies are taking in every bit of nutrition that mom can ingest! That's why it's important to eat a healthy diet throughout pregnancy, and build up the fat stores to sustain your health in the later months.
Discuss your nutritional needs with your doctor or caregiver, and don't worry about the soaring scale. You've got your babies' best interests at heart!
How Much Weight Should I Gain During Pregnancy?
Weight gain during pregnancy should be gradual with the most weight being gained in the last trimester. According to the ACOG, you should gain about 2 to 4 pounds during the first three months of pregnancy and then 3 to 4 pounds per month for the rest of your pregnancy.
Total weight gain should be about 25 to 30 pounds. This will decrease the risk of delivering a low-birth-weight baby. The Institute of Medicine recommends that women who have a low Body Mass Index (BMI) -- the ration of weight to height -- should gain 28 to 40 pounds during pregnancy and women who have a higher BMI should gain 15 to 25 pounds. Check with your doctor to determine how much weight gain during pregnancy is healthy for you.
Weight gained includes 6 to 8 pounds for the weight of the baby. The remaining weight consists of a higher fluid volume, larger breasts, larger uterus, amniotic fluid, and the placenta.
Make sure to visit your doctor throughout your pregnancy for an assessment of your weight gain. Your doctor can make recommendations about how much weight you should be gaining to ensure that your pregnancy is progressing smoothly and that you are getting the right amount of nutrients.
Total weight gain should be about 25 to 30 pounds. This will decrease the risk of delivering a low-birth-weight baby. The Institute of Medicine recommends that women who have a low Body Mass Index (BMI) -- the ration of weight to height -- should gain 28 to 40 pounds during pregnancy and women who have a higher BMI should gain 15 to 25 pounds. Check with your doctor to determine how much weight gain during pregnancy is healthy for you.
Weight gained includes 6 to 8 pounds for the weight of the baby. The remaining weight consists of a higher fluid volume, larger breasts, larger uterus, amniotic fluid, and the placenta.
Make sure to visit your doctor throughout your pregnancy for an assessment of your weight gain. Your doctor can make recommendations about how much weight you should be gaining to ensure that your pregnancy is progressing smoothly and that you are getting the right amount of nutrients.
Pregnancy: Amazing journey
Pregnancy is an amazing journey.
While we often talk about it lasting for nine months, pregnancy is generally measured by weeks, lasting 40 weeks or 266 days from conception. Each month brings unique changes for your baby’s growth and development. Enjoy a tour through the entire length of pregnancy in ultrasound pictures and descriptions of how your baby is growing and changing at each stage of pregnancy.
These months are designed to be generic and may or may not specifically relate to your pregnancy. Please direct any questions you have about your baby's growth or your progress to your doctor or midwife. Pregnancy is a normal process and questions are a natural part of that process.
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