Question

Trimester Months pregnant Weeks pregnant 0 - 4 o trimester w w un 5-8 9-12 13 14 - 17 18-21 22 - 25 26-27 28 - 30 31 - 34 35 - 38 39 - 42 o o o o 3 trimester Christel is in the beginning of her 2nd trimester of pregnancy (16 weeks). She has gained 15 lbs. She is 5'7" and her pre-pregnancy weight was 185 lbs. She is also struggling to make ends meet and is not sure what she should be eating. 1. Is Christel's weight gain appropriate? If not, what should it be? 2. Where can Christel go to get assistance with meals and education on her diet? 3. What are Christel's increased engery, protein, and fat needs during pregnancy? 4. Can you give her advice on how to lose weight after the birth of her child?

Answer 1

1. The normal weight gain is 2 to 4 pounds during the first three months you're pregnant and 1 pound a week during the rest of your pregnancy.

6-8 lbs is normal weight gain for Christel. She has 15 lbs weight gain , so this is far more than the normal weight gain by 16 weeks of pregnancy.

2. If she has issues with getting meals,

• Contact the local food bank for free food
• A few State agencies distribute the WIC (Women, Infants and Children) foods through warehouses or deliver the foods to participants’ homes, if she meets the criteria mentioned by them.
• Many local churches also offer some type of food assistance/welfare program. Contact such places for free food.

The Government agencies provide help with dietary advice.

3. An additional 300 Calories/day are needed in second and third trimester.

75 to 100 grams of protein per day is recommended in pregnancy.

Aim for unsaturated fats to make up about 25 percent of your daily calories. In a 2,000-calorie diet, that's approximately 500 calories from fat. This means 50-60 grams of Fats per day is needed for Christel.

4. The weight loss after pregnancy can be done by

• Breastfeeding mothers can burn up to 600 to 800 calories a day as the body now needs additional calories to breastfeed the baby.
• Start simple exercises once you are stable and progress to active exercises after 3 months.
• Include a lot of fresh fruits, green vegetables, lean meat, whole grains and low-fat dairy products in your diet.
• Avoid junk foods and keep a watch on the fats you take in.
• Sleep with the baby. Caring the baby may deprive you off your sleep, so better sleep when the baby sleeps. This reduces the tiredness and energises you.
• Stay hydrated. Drink 2-3 L of liquids daily.
• Keep stress levels to minimum.
• Take a walk whenever you can
• Reduce meal timings and drink water before meals.
• Stay away from alcohol and caffeine.
• Always eat natural and home cooked foods.
• Keep a watch on your weight regularly.