Not seeing any weight gain as you prepare for the arrival of your little one? Although being skinny may sound good, it can cause several issues during pregnancy. During pregnancy, being underweight may put you at risk of anaemia.
The following are some common issues underweight mummies face during pregnancy:
First, your baby's development may be limited. The lack of adequate nutrition in your body may affect the normal growth and development of the foetus, resulting in low birth weight and a smaller baby, and may even affect the development and function of your baby’s organs.
Secondly, being underweight during pregnancy may increase the risk of pregnancy complications, including gestational diabetes, anaemia, high blood pressure, etc. These complications may adversely affect maternal and foetal health.
In addition, being underweight during pregnancy may also lead to increased complications during labour, as you may face more challenges due to the lack of physical strength, increasing the likelihood of a difficult labour.
If your body lacks important nutrients such as iron during pregnancy and if you're anaemic during labour, it is like riding a bike with a flat tire, you'll feel weak and tired, and your baby may not get enough oxygen.
During childbirth, anaemia makes the process more difficult. You may feel weak due to fatigue, resulting in increased blood loss during labour, and may even require a blood transfusion, further increasing the risk of complications during childbirth.
Being underweight during pregnancy may worsen pregnancy discomfort. Pregnancy is often accompanied by symptoms such as morning sickness and dizziness. If you are underweight, these symptoms may become more severe and affect your quality of life during pregnancy.
Therefore, during pregnancy, it's important to eat a healthy, balanced diet. To ensure that you have adequate nutrition, eat a balanced diet and complement it with nutritional supplements. You should also pay attention to body changes and adjust your diet and lifestyle to ensure that you and your baby are safe and healthy.
Let us work towards a healthy and happy pregnancy!