What should I eat during pregnancy?

Reviewed by Dr Philip Owen, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist

How to avoid constipation

Constipation during pregnancy can be caused by hormonal changes that cause the intestines to move less. Iron supplements can also cause constipation.

To avoid constipation, eat lots of fibre-rich foods such as fruit, vegetables, wholemeal bread and cereal, prunes and prune juice. Drinking 2 to 3 litres of water each day will also help prevent constipation by keeping stools moist.

Regular exercise will also help get the intestines moving. About 20 to 30 minutes' swimming or brisk walking two to three times a week is a good level of exercise to aim for.

A pharmacist will be able to provide advice about over-the-counter preparations that are safe to use during pregnancy to relieve constipation.

How much weight should a woman gain during pregnancy?

It is considered normal to gain 10 to 12kg (22 to 26lb).

For practical reasons the pregnancy is divided into three periods:

the first period runs from week 0 to 12 where it is normal to gain 1 to 2kg (2 to 4lb).

the second period runs from weeks 12 to 28 in which it is normal to gain 300 to 400g (10 to 14oz) a week.

the third period runs from weeks 28 to 40 and it is normal to gain 1 to 3kg (2 to 6lb) a month.

It is not necessary to be obsessive about your weight during pregnancy. Many obstetricians have stopped weighing women other than at their first visit because the information is of little use in detecting problems with the mother or her baby.

However, excess weight gain is probably best avoided since most women will want to return to the same dress size within a few months of delivery.

Where do the extra kilos come from?

A total weight increase of about 11.2kg (24lb) is normal.

A baby weighs approximately 3.5kg (7lb 11oz) before birth.

The uterus grows to approximately 900g (1lb 14oz).

The placenta weighs approximately 650g (1lb 6oz).

The amniotic fluid weighs approximately 800g (1lb 12oz).

The woman's breasts grow by approximately 400g (14oz).

The weight of the extra blood is approximately 1.25kg (2lb 12oz).

Water retained in the body tissues weighs approximately 2kg (4lb 6oz).

The layer of fat beneath the skin weighs approximately 1.7kg (3lb 11oz).

<<Go To Page 1

The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use



© Copyright 1998 - 2004 NetDoctor.co.uk - All rights reserved