As a mom, having extra flab around your midsection can be disheartening. Whether you just had your first child or are entering your second trimester with this one, belly fat will undoubtedly be at the forefront of your mind.
What happens to existing belly fat when pregnant?
While some of the existing belly fat may be used for energy during pregnancy, much of it remains intact. The body also stores additional fat to provide the energy needed to support the developing fetus. After childbirth, the body gradually uses stored fat for breastfeeding and recovery, but belly fat may remain unless actively targeted through exercise and a healthy diet.
In this blog post, we will discuss what happens to existing belly fat when you’re pregnant. Keep reading to learn more.
Does Your Body Retain More Fat When Pregnant?
During pregnancy, your body undergoes several changes. Hormones cause your body to accumulate extra fat than usual. This additional fat aids in the production of energy and nutrients for your kid.
During pregnancy, it’s not unusual for women to gain weight around their stomachs. This additional weight is typically the result of the extra pregnancy pounds. For some women, this heavier weight development is more prominent and can result in a protruding tummy. Thus increasing the risk of Diastasis Recti. Diastasis Recti is a condition in which the stomach muscles stretch and divide during pregnancy.
After your baby has been born, your hormone levels return to normal, and the extra fat is no longer required. As a result, you will gradually reduce the surplus weight.
What Happens To Existing Belly Fat When Pregnant?
Belly fat is not something to be concerned about. However, if you are overweight and carry a lot of fat around your tummy, you should seek advice from your doctor. This is because while pregnant, your weight will continue to rise as you develop an infant inside you.
Excess belly fat before pregnancy can have a detrimental impact on your health since it has the potential to induce other illnesses such as hypertension, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and fetal mortality in the worst-case scenario.
How Much Weight Can You Gain Safely?
This will depend on your Body Mass Index (BMI) before getting pregnant.
- Less than 18.5 BMI: 28-40 pounds, underweight
- Normal BMI between 18.5-24.9: 25-35 pounds
- Overweight with 25-29.9 BMI: 15-25 pounds
- Obese with over 30 BMI: 11-20 pounds
Of course, this isn’t the case for women who are expecting twins or triplets. Losing weight before attempting to conceive is suggested if you’re overweight or obese.
Not to mention that gaining too much weight might cause high blood pressure and gestational diabetes. Both of these can put your baby in danger of miscarriage or birth defects.
How Does Pregnancy Affect Your Shape?
Your body will alter considerably throughout the next 9 months as your developing baby demands more of it. If you are wondering what happens to existing belly fat when pregnant, it will not make a large difference immediately.
This is because most women begin to appear pregnant at around 12 weeks. Your baby bump might take longer to become obvious for ladies who have a lot of body fat before getting pregnant.
Do You Need To See A Doctor If You’re Expecting And Overweight?
On your first visit to a physician, he or she will most likely take your BMI. It’s also suggested that you get checked for gestational diabetes since due to your extra weight, you’re at risk of developing it.
If the test reveals a positive result, you must keep track of your blood sugar levels at home. Otherwise, you can simply pay attention to what you’re eating.
Your doctor will once again need to conduct another test on you when you’re nearing the end of your pregnancy to ensure that you haven’t developed gestational diabetes.
Pregnancy Safety Tips For Overweight Women
1. Limit Stress
Even if you try your hardest to stay optimistic, you may inadvertently be concerned about the future. While it is difficult to avoid worrying altogether, you should strive for minimal stress. Try as much as possible to keep your anxiety levels in check.
2. Get Enough Sleep
It is advisable that you get at least 7 hours of sleep each night. It has an impact on both your and your baby’s health, as well as their development.
3. Drink Prenatal Vitamins
Vitamins will most likely be prescribed for you during your pregnancy by your doctor. You must eat prenatal vitamins regularly.
4. Have a Balanced Diet
You also need to pay attention to your diet. You should concentrate on consuming adequate nutrients. And the best approach to do this is by eating a nutritious diet that includes fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
5. Stay Active
If you want to find a drill for losing 15 pound in 2 weeks. Walking is the healthiest form of exercise during pregnancy. Walking can help you maintain a healthy weight as well as alleviate the discomfort and pain associated with pregnancy.
Other than walking, yoga and jogging are options. However, before you start any sort of exercise, you should always seek advice. If you want to find a drill for losing belly fat
6. Stay Hydrated
Water has thermogenic qualities that can help your metabolism function more efficiently and control your hunger.
Can You Lose Weight While Pregnant?
You can’t shed abdominal fat while pregnant. If you’re overweight and have excess tummy weight, try reducing it before conceiving to avoid adding to the problem. This may be accomplished by following a nutritious diet and exercising regularly.
But after pregnancy, you can follow certain routines to lose 30 pounds in 30 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Will my belly fat go away during pregnancy?
Ans: It won’t just go away on its own. At the start of their pregnancy, some overweight women lose some abdominal fat. However, you will probably gain more weight after this time, depending on your habits.
Q2: When will my fat turn into a baby bump?
Ans: Pregnancy bumps usually appear in the second trimester. Between 16 and 20 weeks pregnant, your fat will transform into a baby bump if you’re experiencing your first pregnancy.
Q3: When do you start showing in pregnancy if overweight?
Ans: The appearance of your bump is typically noticeable during the second trimester. Your body will start to show your baby’s development at around 16 weeks. Some women may not observe their bump until the end of the second trimester or beyond. The fourth month marks the beginning of the second trimester.
Q4: How can you tell the difference between fat and pregnant?
Ans: The two are different. However, if you’re not sure whether or not you’re pregnant, get yourself tested. Pregnancy tests can be bought at most pharmacies and grocery stores.
Q5: Will my waist shrink after pregnancy?
Ans: You may still appear six months pregnant for a time after giving birth. This is to be expected. The first six weeks following delivery. Your belly will shrink as your uterus shrinks back to its normal size, and excess fluids will be eliminated from your body.
Q6: Should a pregnant belly be hard or soft?
Ans: Your belly might feel soft and cushioned in the early stages of pregnancy, or it may be hard and tight. There is no such thing as normal when you’re pregnant. The shape, size, and hardness of a pregnant belly vary.
Q7: Does excess fat lead to an overhang plus-size pregnancy belly?
Ans: Excess abdominal fat can lead to a hanging belly. To avoid this, try to maintain a healthy weight during pregnancy.
Q8: Is skinny pregnancy normal?
Ans: Some women are naturally skinny and will remain so throughout their pregnancy. However, if you’re underweight, you may need to gain weight in order to meet the needs of your developing baby.
Q9: Can You Lose Weight While Pregnant?
Ans: You can’t shed abdominal fat while pregnant. If you’re overweight and have excess tummy weight, try reducing it before conceiving to avoid adding to the problem. This may be accomplished by following a nutritious diet and exercising regularly.
Conclusion
Does existing belly fat stay after pregnanancy? It won’t just go away on its own. You can’t shed abdominal fat while pregnant. If you’re overweight and have excess tummy weight, try reducing it before conceiving to avoid adding to the problem.
This may be accomplished by following a nutritious diet and exercising regularly. Stay hydrated throughout your pregnancy to help with weight management and hunger control. Drink plenty of water and eat small, frequent meals throughout the day.
Last, if you’re not sure whether or not you’re pregnant, take a pregnancy test. Pregnancy tests are available in most pharmacies and supermarkets.
