Introduction:

Gaining weight is a natural influence on a woman’s body during pregnancy. Though it is quite expected, it can still be harmful to a woman, mentally as well as physically. It can induce stress, heart-diseases, diabetes including other health consequences.

Women should start the whole process of losing weight in a relaxed healthy way. As pregnancy takes a toll on women and starting this process right after delivery will only result in more stress and tiredness.

You need not reach up to anybody’s standards or compare yourself to any other pregnant woman. You are different, your body is different and that implies your transitioning phase would also differ. You need to just take care of your body as your body likes. Try and Enjoy this painful but worthful experience.

Maintaining body weight starts during the pregnancy itself

You should consult your OBs in initial trimesters only to understand the requirement of your body better. It is important to understand how much weight you should gain, and the purpose behind this. This depends on BMI (Body Mass Index) of the person. In this way, one can avoid foods or activities harmful to the mother as well as their child.

Getting a doctor’s advice from the start helps in maintaining a healthy body

It reduces the stress that comes with gaining weight when one understands the purpose clearly and starts taking a healthy diet. It reduces the chances of gaining unnecessary weight during pregnancy and in turn, helps in losing weight after childbirth.

Post Pregnancy Weight Loss

It is perceived that most women lose half of their body weight after childbirth in a few months. It is important to be patient with yourself during post-pregnancy weight loss and to realize that it took you 09(nine) months to gain this much weight and it might take this much long or longer to go back to your old, normal weight. If you gain around 30 pounds during pregnancy from normal weight, it will take just a couple of months to lose weight after baby and go back to normal if you take a healthy, balanced diet and do exercise regularly. If the weight gained during pregnancy is not taken care of after the birth of the baby, it can take a long time to go back to normal weight.

After childbirth, a healthy and well-balanced diet is very important

 It should be noted that you shouldn’t cut down on any important nutrients to lose weight, as it can be harmful to both your body as well as for the new-born. One must consult a doctor or a nutritionist for a healthy meal plan. This way the new mother can lose weight without jeopardizing her as well as the newborn’s health. It is better to eat 5-6 times a day and keep the water bottle handy. 

One must avoid unhealthy ways like a crash diet, these are low-calorie diets that aim to make you lose a large amount of weight in the shortest time possible. After delivering a baby, your body needs good nutrition to heal and recover. 

Another way of losing weight is by exercising

The new mother should start slow with walking. It will ensure that you are increasing your circulation, without pushing your body too hard. After pregnancy, it takes some time for the body to return to its previous state. Wait until after your postnatal check (usually after six weeks), before taking up any heavy exercises, otherwise it can delay the healing of episiotomy and cesarean incisions.

One of the other ways to lose weight is breast-feeding.

As is usually known, breast-feeding is the healthiest way of providing nourishment to the newly born, it also helps women in reducing their weight gained during pregnancy. When you breast-feed, you use fat cells stored in your body during pregnancy along with calories from your diet, to fuel the milk production and feed your body.

But to reassure women who can’t breast-feed or choose not to, it should be noted that it is not an essential way of losing weight.

Being patient and realistic is also essential during this whole process. It leads to a healthier mindset, in order to attain a healthier body and lifestyle. To make pregnancy and postpartum easier one should always keep in touch with a doctor.

Information Sources:

https://www.livescience.com/53768-how-to-lose-weight-after-pregnancy.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/labor-and-delivery/in-depth/weight-loss-after-pregnancy/art-20047813
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000586.htm
https://www.webmd.com/baby/features/8-tips-for-losing-weight-after-pregnancy#1