The issue of weight gain in pregnancy is one that usually generates doubts and, sometimes, controversy. As we have already explained on other occasions, the number of kilos that a woman gains during this stage is different for each one, depending on the type of body, routine and diet.
However, despite knowing that each experience is unique, something that is not usually missing when talking between mothers, is to ask how much weight each one has gained in their pregnancies. We share with you why it is a question that is better not to ask.
weight gain in pregnancy
For many years it was estimated and said that the weight gain that women should have during pregnancy was directly related to its duration. ” One kilo for every month “, we used to hear.
However, with advances in science and studies on the subject, it has been found that weight gain is more linked to the conditions and current weight of each woman, so the amount will always vary from one woman to another (and even from one pregnancy to another in the same woman).
Why is this a sensitive question?
It is very common for pregnant women and mothers (recent or with a few years of motherhood) to talk about our experiences, both to share advice and to find out how they experienced and handled different situations and stages.
For this reason, it is common that when talking about their pregnancies that question appears ” how many kilos did you gain? ” and share that they increased such or such amount. However, unlike other questions related to your experience, this may be one that we may need to avoid.
In the first place, because it is a question that speaks specifically about a woman’s body , and as we have already mentioned on other occasions, pregnancy is not an invitation to give an opinion or ask about a person’s physique.
And secondly, because the issue of appearance and weight is a sensitive and delicate issue for some women , so asking this question can be uncomfortable and even invasive.
There are women, for example, who may feel affected by the number of kilos they gained during their pregnancy. They may still be suffering because they haven’t managed to shed those extra pounds and aren’t comfortable with their postpartum body or have a hard time accepting physical changes.
Whatever the reason, since it is not possible to know the whole story and the emotions they experience, it is best to avoid this type of question -especially if it is about a woman with whom we are not very close or we have just met- who Outside of making us curious, they have no objective or provide any benefit.
Cover photo | istock
