When we talk about weight, it’s important to recognise that there are many factors at play. The size of our body is influenced by many factors outside of our control. What we eat and how much we move, regardless of our body size, can still have a positive impact on you and your baby’s health.
Here’s an overview of some of the factors known to influence weight:
Factors you have some control over
What and how you eat
Your physical activity and how much you sit
Factors you have little control over
Family history
Medical conditions
Some medications
Ethnicity
Age
Sleep
Gut microbiome (the balance of bugs that live in your gut)
Mental health and trauma
Our body’s control over hunger and fullness signals
During pregnancy, things get ever more complicated, check out what contributes to weight gain in pregnancy:
- Your baby (~3-3.6kg)
- The placenta and amniotic fluid (~1.5kg)
- Uterine muscles (~1kg)
- Increased blood volume (~1.4-1.8kg)
- Fluid retention (~1-1.5kg)
- Breast tissue (~0.5-1kg)
- Fat storage for breastfeeding (~2.7-3.6kg)
Sometimes the number on the scales can go up quickly, and other times it stays the same or goes up slowly. This is normal and shows changes in growth and hormones.
The pattern of weight gain tells more of a picture than single numbers on the scale.
Your profile:
The Explorer
- Breastfeeding
- Celebrating success
- Fat, fibre, food safety
- Keeping active
- Meal planning and preparation
- Mindful eating
- Planning for success
- SMART goals and active planning
- Weight gain and energy balance
- What to eat and how much