What Is Baby Weight? And Why Lose Baby Weight?

What Is Baby Weight?

When we talk about baby weight, we are talking about the weight you gain during pregnancy and why this 'baby weight' won't be needed after your baby is born.

Let's Start with Weight Gain during Pregnancy

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) during pregnancy.

This is a guideline so please chat to you doctor about what is healthy or recommended for you. If you are underweight, overweight, or carrying multiple babies then your guidelines may be different.

What Does Pregnancy Weight Gain Consist of?

1. Placenta
2. Amniotic fluid
3. The baby
4. Breast tissue
5. Blood
6. Uterus enlargement
7. Extra fat stores

Source: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

This Extra Weight Gain has a Purpose

The extra fat acts as an important natural energy reserve for the birth and breastfeeding.

However, this extra weight becomes an issue when it results in too much fat. And here we come to the answer why we generally refer to it as 'baby weight.'

So, when we say let's 'lose baby weight' we are referring to the extra, unnecessary, unhealthy weight you are carrying. Your body will naturally heal and recover in many ways but maintaining a healthy weight is up to you.

Did you know that according to the CDC nearly half of all pregnant women gain more than the recommended amount of weight during pregnancy.

Why is it Important to Lose Baby Weight?

Your health matters and if you are unable to return to a healthy weight then you are more likely to be at an increased risk of many unwanted health concerns. 

Reasons to Lose Weight After Pregnancy

Women who have obesity, compared to those with a normal or healthy weight, are at increased risk for many serious diseases and health conditions, including the following:

1. Type 2 diabetes
2. Coronary heart disease
3. All-causes of death (mortality)
4. High blood pressure (Hypertension)
5. Many types of cancer
6. Low quality of life
7. High LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol
8. Stroke
9. Gallbladder disease
10. Osteoarthritis (a breakdown of cartilage and bone within a joint)
11. Sleep apnea and breathing problems
12. Mental illness (depression, anxiety)
13. Body pain and difficulty with physical functioning

Takeaway

Your body is simply amazing! And it is most amazing when you are pregnant and during your postpartum recovery. It will naturally heal and recover in many ways.

The problem for us mamas is when we are carrying too much weight! We need to reach a healthy body weight to ensure we stay fit, healthy, strong and disease free.

This is why we have our Strong Mama Challenge - to lose extra fat and attain a healthy body weight!