What “Maintain Your Weight" During Pregnancy Really Means
One thing pregnant people of size are commonly told is to gain as little weight as possible or maintain their weight throughout pregnancy. But what does "maintain your weight" REALLY mean? Lose weight! Allow me to explain.
Throughout pregnancy your body is going through some serious changes! Some of those changes you (and others) may notice externally but the vast majority of changes are happening internally, meaning you cannot see them. Some of these changes have a weight attached to them, which I explain in more detail below.
** Content warning for mention of exact weights and disordered eating.
The average person can expect to gain anywhere from 25- 30 lbs because pregnancy body changes include these approximate weights:
Increase in blood volume + other body fluids: 6- 8 lbs
Increase in body fat, proteins, nutrients breast tissue: 7- 9 lbs
Uterine growth: 2 lbs
Placenta: 1.5- 3 lbs
Amniotic fluid: 2 lbs
The weight of your baby: 6- 10 lbs
These body changes are normal and amazing. Simple math tells us if someone is, for example, 200 lbs and they maintain that weight, once their baby is born, they will be 25- 30 lbs lighter (once the body has time to settle postpartum)!
Certify as a size inclusive birth professional!
The recommendation to "maintain your weight" is not a neutral one. It may encourage restriction or disordered eating for some people who start to focus heavily on maintaining their weight at all costs. Food restriction during pregnancy may impact nutrient intake, energy levels, amniotic fluid levels (especially if dehydrated), fetal growth and more.
This recommendation may have serious consequences for some. If your provider has said this to you, remember that your pregnancy does not need to revolve around your weight, some weight gain is normal for people of all sizes, you can request not to be weighed during pregnancy or have a “blind” weight taken and you have the option to look for a size friendly provider.
Here at Fat & Pregnant you can search the size inclusive birth professional directory! These practitioners specializing in fertility, pregnancy and postpartum care have gone through our certification process so you can be confident that they have the knowledge and tools to provide services free of weight bias.
From doulas, midwives, acupuncturists, yoga teachers, childbirth educators, HAES-aligned nutritionists and more— you will find a professional near you and/or offering compassionate services online.
Looking for a body positive resource you can access during pregnancy? Check out this affirmations track!
