Last week we answered some questions about healthy weight gain during pregnancy, if you missed it, take a look here.
This week we provide a breakdown of the numbers- for instance, if the baby is only 8 lbs, where is the rest of all that weight distributed?!! Exact weight gain varies and is dependent on a number of factors: a woman’s weight when she becomes pregnant, frame size, fluid retention as the pregnancy goes on to name a few. Here’s a breakdown of an average pregnancy for a medium build woman.
- Fetus: 7.5-8.5 lbs.
- Stores of fat and protein: 7.5 lbs.
- Blood: 4.0 lbs
- Tissue fluids: 2.7 lbs
- Uterus: 2.0 lbs
- Amniotic fluid: 1.8 lbs
- Placenta and umbilical cord: 1.5 lbs
- Breasts: 1.0 lbs
- Total: 28-29 lbs
These are the numbers for an average pregnancy, NOT all pregnancies. Your doctor is still the best resource to ask your weight related questions. If we can answer any of your exercise related questions, drop us a line!
References
1) “Questions Answered About Pregnancy.” Accessed on 18 November 2015 from https://bodybybrent.com/questions-answered-about-pregnancy-nutrition/
