As a pregnant mom, you've likely heard recommendations about how much weight you "should" gain during those 9 months. But the reality is, every pregnancy weight gain journey looks different.

In this blog post, we'll break down those general guidelines, discuss why obsessing over the numbers can be unhealthy, and share what factors you actually can control when it comes to pregnancy weight. You'll learn why societal pressures make you feel one way about weight gain during pregnancy but flip a switch postpartum.

The Truth About Pregnancy Weight Guidelines Most doctors base their recommendations on your pre-pregnancy BMI, suggesting:

• Underweight women gain 28-40 lbs
• Normal-weight women gain 25-35 lbs
• Overweight women gain 15-25 lbs
• Obese women gain 11-20 lbs

However, these are very general guidelines that don't account for your unique health, body composition, age, muscle mass, etc. They also don't consider factors like having multiple versus a single pregnancy.

Why You Shouldn't Obsess Over the Numbers

While weight guidelines provide a rough benchmark, obsessively tracking your progression can actually lead to anxiety, stress, and an unhealthy relationship with your body.

The truth is, your weight gain may be lower or higher than "recommended" for reasons out of your control, like:

• Severe morning sickness/inability to keep food down
• Conditions like preeclampsia, high fluid retention, etc.
• Placental issues impacting baby's growth
• Having more or less amniotic fluid than average

Stressing over every pound gained/not gained does nothing except fuel unhappiness and negative self-talk. Your body is going through an incredible journey!

The Societal Shift From Pregnancy to Postpartum

Interestingly, many moms feel one way about their body image during pregnancy but experience a shift in mindset after giving birth.

While society largely expects and accepts a pregnant woman's body changing, there's immense societal pressure to "bounce back" and lose the baby weight rapidly postpartum. This can result in moms criticizing their bodies who felt okay with their pregnant curves just weeks earlier.

What You Can Control During Pregnancy

While you can't control every aspect of weight gain, you do have some influences over your overall health during pregnancy:

• Consistent exercise/movement to build strength and endurance, making the postpartum transition easier
• Balanced blood sugar and nutrient-dense meals to manage energy dips, mood swings & cravings
• Prioritizing stress management through sleep, relaxing hobbies, light activity, etc.
• Staying hydrated

By focusing your energy on these controllable factors rather than numbers on the scale, you'll set yourself up for a healthier mindset throughout pregnancy and postpartum.

The Bottom Line

Every pregnancy weight gain journey looks different based on genetics, age, number of babies, and so many individual factors. While recommendations provide rough guidelines, your personal experience may vary significantly.

Obsessing over every pound, reading too much into the numbers, and comparing your body's changes to others' can negatively impact your mental health. Instead, focus on developing a positive self-image by exercising, eating nutritious foods, managing stress, and accepting your beautiful, incredible body's journey.

If you want to reach your healthiest weight without sacrificing your favorite foods or milk supply, The Postpartum Shift is for you!