Why do women use pregnancy as an excuse to gain fat?

Dear selenamama, It is important that woman gain enough weight. It is very important that your baby get proper nutrition from the foods you eat. Recommendations for healthy weight gain during pregnancy are based on your weight before you became pregnant. Women who are at “normal” weight when they become pregnant are advised to gain 25 – 35 pounds during their pregnancies. Likewise, experts advise women who are “underweight” when they become pregnant to gain 28–40 pounds during their pregnancies. Healthy eating and healthy weight gain result in many positive pregnancy benefits. Gaining a healthy amount of weight: Counteracts your baby’s susceptibility to infection and birth defects caused by low birth weight Decreases your risk for complications such as anaemia and pre-eclampsia Reduces the risk of pre-term labour and delivery Helps to ensure a healthy birth weight for your baby, which decreases his risk of delayed development, disease, and mortality during the first few months of life. During the first trimester, it is normal to gain anywhere from zero to six pounds. Remember, your body uses food for energy. If you have a history of food restriction or crazy dieting, you may have altered both your metabolism and the way your body uses food when you begin eating normally (such as during pregnancy). As long as you are meeting your nutrient needs and getting exercise as advised by your physician, your weight gain should taper during the second trimester. Generally, normal weight and underweight woman gain between one and one-and-a-half pounds per week, throughout the second and third trimesters. Sue…good luck