Weight gain
The development of the foetus and uterus, the formation of the placenta, amniotic fluid and membranes, the fact that the tissues retain more fluid, and the deposit of a certain amount of adipose tissue (which we can also call fat), lead to a constant and gradual increase in weight, which, as a rule, should be between 9 and 12 kg. Specifically, the liquids that accumulate during pregnancy weigh in at around 2,500 grams, the same weight as the fat reserve needed to provide more energy during lactation.
This weight gain, rest assured, is not all fat 'that will remain on you' because consider that between the weight of the baby, the placenta and the amniotic fluid, around 6 kg is already lost immediately after delivery.
In general, it is not recommended to lose weight during pregnancy, as this could harm the health of the baby. If, however, weight loss during pregnancy does become necessary, it will be the responsibility of the gynaecologist, together with other professionals, to assess your specific clinical picture and advise you for the best. It is very important to always consult an expert in the field (nutritionist biologist, dietician, dietician) so that the request to lose weight in pregnancy can be carefully evaluated and, if necessary, a decision can be made as to whether to go on a diet.
As far as proper nutrition in pregnancy is concerned, we recommend reading our article on mother's nutrition in the "Pregnancy" section. [learn more about mother's diet].
To stay in shape and not gain too much weight during pregnancy, it is recommended to exercise daily for at least 30 minutes a day (even just a brisk walk, following the speed dictated by your body). Sport is an invaluable ally for burning some of the calories taken in with food; it also promotes sleep, regulates emotional health and reduces the risk of complications, as long as it is done without overdoing it...listen to your body!
The most recommended activities, in addition to swimming and walking, are cycling, light running, yoga and Pilates.
In the final part of pregnancy, the increase in body weight will be felt with greater fatigue and swelling of the ankles may appear. Rest is crucial in alleviating these complaints (sleep as often as your body requires, if possible even during the day, as long as this does not prevent you from getting a good night's rest).
How breasts change
The breasts increase in volume, the areolas and nipples tend to darken and a slight liquid secretion may begin (but don't worry if this doesn't happen, it is not a sign that you won't be able to have milk!).
Towards the end of the pregnancy, 'colostrum' appears, a liquid that will be produced until a few days after delivery and which will be the baby's first 'food', before the milk supply. You may therefore need nipple shields, even before giving birth. (Again, remember that every woman is different and should you not be leaking it is not a sign that you are not producing colostrum anyway!)
Posture
The increase in weight and volume of the uterus causes a number of changes in the weight distribution and balance of the pregnant woman, who is induced to arch her lower back.
This can cause pain especially in the lower back and sacral area (lumbosciatica) (the lower back, to be precise). We therefore advise you to avoid high-heeled shoes and do light yoga exercises that help to stretch muscles, relax and prevent muscle inflammation.
What does it mean when your belly hardens during pregnancy?
During the first trimester, the uterus grows and stretches rapidly to accommodate the growing foetus. This can cause abdominal cramps or sharp pains (i.e. short-lasting although sometimes very intense pains) along the side of the abdomen as ligaments and other tissues stretch. The presence of air in the belly may be a very common problem during pregnancy. As pregnancy progresses, the fact that your belly stiffens may simply be due to the fact that the baby has positioned itself at the front or that, for example during physical exercises, your belly lets you know that it has become 'tired' and asks you to rest. If it persists and discomfort is added, contact your doctor to dispel any possible doubts.
Baby's movements
From the fourth month onwards you may start to feel the movements of your baby swimming in your belly... but if you don't feel them, don't worry: there is still plenty of room for him to move around and it is therefore rarer for him to touch the walls of the uterus.
From the fifth month onwards, however, the movements become more and more perceptible.
Not all babies move in the same way and at the same times, but in general, over a 12-hour period, the foetus should make at least 10 movements (every kick or other movement is considered a movement). If this is not the case, it is a good idea to contact your pregnancy counsellor and possibly have an obstetric ultrasound or cardiotocographic monitoring... whenever you do not feel your baby, following its daily movements. For this reason, it is advisable to mark yourself when the baby regularly makes itself felt, to learn about its movements and to keep track of them!
Stretch marks
A woman's skin, throughout the duration of her pregnancy, gradually stretches due to weight gain and increased volume, particularly of the belly, breasts, hips and inner thighs.
This may cause stretch marks, small tears in the skin, which can be prevented with a few precautions:
moisturise a lot;
use vegetable oils to nourish the skin: sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, aloe vera oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, etc., which can be used alone or in a mixture, both during the first weeks of pregnancy and after delivery;
apply a specific cream for pregnancy stretch marks, even twice a day, both from the first weeks of pregnancy and for about a month after delivery.