Gaining weight too fast in pregnancy or putting on too much of weight is not good for the mother and the baby. Have a look at the associated health troubles due to excessive weight gain.Just because you are pregnant does not give you the liberty to eat whatever you come across. You need to keep in mind that excess weight gain too can have harmful effects on your growing baby. So, you must be confused about what should be tagged as the "normal" weigh gain in pregnancy. Again, most of the women seem to worry about shedding those extra pounds after delivery. There is no need to worry, as you shall soon be able to shed most of those extra fats when you start breast feeding your little one.
Normal Weight Gain
Your body is undergoing too many changes in pregnancy. The amount you eat and the kind of exercises you shall perform tends to change as you make progresses. However, you need to keep in mind that the changes that you are going through are to ensure your unborn child gets all the necessary nourishments. You shall lose most of your weight after getting rid of the excess fluid in your body.
Medically you should be gaining few kilos, but now your weight gain is suggested based on your pre-pregnancy body weight. Thus, if you want to know the ideal body weight in pregnancy, it is something that cannot be determined. The same weight cannot be applied for all women. Those who are underweight may be required to put in more weight compared to those who are obese or of the right weight once they get pregnant.
Excessive weight gain is not healthy, either for you or for the baby. This weight gain could be localized to the abdomen (in the case of hydramnios, where there is increased amniotic fluid around the baby). It could also be distributed all over the body.
In case of
hydramnios, this extra weight around the baby could put pressure on the cervix, causing it to dilate prematurely and result in a delivery much before your due date. Excessive weight gain from overeating could also lead to other medical problems like high sugar, high blood pressure, haemorrhoids, and many others. If the foetus is overly large, it could also lead to a difficult delivery.
When is Weight Gain a Cause of Concern?
If there is a sudden weight gain of more than two pounds not related to overeating, you should call your doctor. If this sudden weight gain is accompanied by swelling of hands and face and/or headache or visual disturbances, you should call your doctor immediately.
Putting on Too Much Weight
You might be putting your
pregnancy at risk by gaining those extra kilos. Chances of a
C-section increase when you have put on too much of weight. You might also be inviting too many troubles after delivering your baby. However, you shall also be inviting too many troubles by not gaining enough weight in pregnancy. You might be hindering the normal growth and development of your baby or the risks of a
preterm delivery may also increase in such cases. Thus, your aim must be to ensure a decent weight gain that your doctor has suggested.
Fast Weight Gain and Associated Health Troubles
If you are gaining weight too fast in pregnancy, it might be the result of an underlying disease like diabetes. If you notice a sudden gain in weight, you must get in touch with your doctor or midwife. She shall carry out the necessary tests or monitor you from time to time.
Pre-eclampsia is also considered another cause behind too much weight gain. The other associated symptoms may be high blood pressure, headaches, nausea or
dizziness. It should be considered seriously, as it might affect your baby as well as you. You must get in touch with your doctor at the earliest.
Diabetes in pregnancy is a common problem that becomes acute when you gain excess weight. Risks of pre-eclampsia increase with gestational diabetes, which can result in excess weight gain in your unborn child. A too big baby can slow the delivery process and it might get difficult for you to give birth naturally as well.
You can put a check on excess weight gain in pregnancy with healthy diet and exercise. This is particularly true for women with gestational diabetes or obesity. Regular consultation with your doctor shall also help you deal with the weight issues.
Keeping in mind the simple things shall make pregnancy more healthy and enjoyable for you. So, make sure to stay healthy and not stress too much. Anxiety and stress can also take a toll on your body weight. For any other queries, you may always get in touch with your healthcare provider.
How to prevent excessive weight gain during pregnancy? Why is putting on too much weight harmful in pregnancy? What are health concerns related to fast weight gain? Discuss here. 
