If there’s anything we know, it’s that achieving a healthy weight post-baby can be a struggle. It can be stressful taking care of a newborn, adjusting to a new routine, and recovering from childbirth. It’s a lot.
However, it’s important to return to a healthy weight after delivery, especially if you plan to become pregnant again in the future.
We’ll go over some effective methods to help you achieve a healthy postpartum weight so you can take on parenthood with pep in your step.
What is ‘baby weight?’
Here’s some background on what “baby weight” is, why it happens during pregnancy, and why it won’t be needed after baby makes their appearance in the world.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that women within a healthy weight range who are carrying one baby gain 25 to 35 pounds (11.5 to 16 kg)Trusted Source during pregnancy.
Recommended weight gains for expectant people who are underweight, overweight, or carrying multiple babies are different. Check out the interactive calculators at the Institute of Medicine/National Academies to determine your individual recommended weight gain.
Your healthcare providers may also have a different recommendation based on your own needs.
According to research published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & GynecologyTrusted Source, pregnancy weight gain consists of:
The extra fat acts as an energy reserve for the birth and breastfeeding. However, excess weight gain can result in too much fat. This is what people generally refer to as “baby weight,” and it’s very common.
Nearly half of all pregnant women gain more than the recommended amount of weight during pregnancy, according to the CDCTrusted Source.
The consequences of keeping on some of this extra weight after pregnancy include:
increased risk of being overweight
heightened risk of diabetes and heart disease
greater risk of complications during pregnancy
higher health risks for women with gestational diabetes
The following list provides evidence-based tips to help you lose the extra pounds.
