As soon as your pregnancy weight starts to increase, you probably are already scheming on how to shed those pounds after the delivery. Then, you will come to discover that the svelte body you had pre-pregnancy will not miraculously re-appear post-delivery.
Typically, a woman gains between two to five pounds during the first trimester, and a pound a week for the rest of your pregnancy for optimal growth of your baby; in total a weight gain of between 25 and 35 pounds throughout the entire duration of your pregnancy.
Life after the birth of your child typically throws a new set of problems and challenges your way, which can hinder your immediate plans to shed off the weight you gained during the pregnancy. So if you are a new mom and cannot wait to get back in shape, remember to go easy!
Having said that, there is no reason to despair. You are not going to be heavy forever.
Here are some tips which will help you in your postpartum weight loss:
Forget celebrity moms
Celebrities who give birth are surrounded by a personal team of nurses, dieticians and fitness experts, resulting in a much faster weight loss compared to an average woman. Plus, they often have endorsement, commercial or production commitments to safeguard. They are not good examples to base your own weight loss goals.
Eat healthily
It is important that you watch what you eat and cultivate healthy eating habits. However, it is very crucial that you do not go on a crash diet in the post partum period. Even though you are no longer pregnant, your body still requires adequate nourishment, particularly if you are breastfeeding. Your daily intake should amount to 2500 calories, and you can spread this over a few meals. The general rule of thumb is to have your diet consist of carbohydrates (half), proteins (a third) and the remaining with fats and fibre. Do increase your consumption of water as this goes directly to milk production. Do consult your doctor on nutrition for breastfeeding mothers.
Get moving
Exercising too vigorously, too soon, can be damaging to health. However, this does not mean that you should be immobile upon your return from the hospital. You should be able to start with gentle exercises immediately, for example a walk around the neighbourhood, or put on some music while you clean and dance, but don’t overdo things. Save those strenuous workouts at least till after your first post-natal check-up and seek your doctor’s advice.
Weight loss after pregnancy is typically slow, and some mothers may find this a bit frustrating. The truth is, it took you a whole 9 months to get to your full-term weight, and it is probably going to take that long (if not, longer!) to get back to your original weight. Visiting the gym or a slimming centre once or twice is not going to give you the results, but consistency and dedication will.
Good luck!
