WHY DOES BMR INCREASE DURING PREGNANCY?

During pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes significant changes to accommodate the developing fetus. These changes include an increase in blood volume, an increase in the size of the uterus, and an increase in the production of certain hormones. These changes can lead to a number of physiological changes, including an increase in basal metabolic rate (BMR).

What is BMR?

BMR is the amount of calories a person's body needs to function at rest, or while sleeping. It accounts for about 60-70% of a person's total daily energy expenditure. BMR is affected by a number of factors, including age, gender, and body composition. In general, men have a higher BMR than women, and people with more muscle mass have a higher BMR than people with less muscle mass.

BMR During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, BMR increases by about 15-20%. This means that a pregnant woman needs to consume about 300-500 extra calories per day to meet her increased energy needs. This increase in BMR is due to a number of factors, including:

Increased Blood Volume: The blood volume increases by about 40% during pregnancy to support the developing fetus. This increase in blood volume requires more energy to pump, which leads to an increase in BMR.

Increased Uterine Size: The uterus grows significantly during pregnancy, from about the size of a small fist to the size of a watermelon. This growth requires a lot of energy, which leads to an increase in BMR.

Increased Production of Hormones: During pregnancy, the body produces a number of hormones that help to support the developing fetus. These hormones, including progesterone and estrogen, can also lead to an increase in BMR.

Risks Associated with Increased BMR During Pregnancy

While an increase in BMR during pregnancy is necessary to support the developing fetus, it can also lead to some risks, including:

Weight Gain: The extra calories consumed to meet the increased BMR can lead to weight gain during pregnancy. This weight gain can be difficult to lose after pregnancy.

Gestational Diabetes: Women who gain too much weight during pregnancy are at an increased risk of developing gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy and usually goes away after the baby is born. However, women who have had gestational diabetes are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Preeclampsia: Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication that is characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. Women who gain too much weight during pregnancy are at an increased risk of developing preeclampsia.

How to Manage Increased BMR During Pregnancy

There are a number of things that pregnant women can do to manage their increased BMR, including:

Eat a Healthy Diet: Eating a healthy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help to keep weight gain within a healthy range and reduce the risk of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.

Exercise Regularly: Exercise can help to burn calories and keep weight gain within a healthy range. It can also help to reduce the risk of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.

Get Enough Sleep: Getting enough sleep is important for overall health and well-being, and it can also help to keep weight gain within a healthy range.

Conclusion

The increase in BMR during pregnancy is a necessary physiological change that supports the developing fetus. However, it is important for pregnant women to manage their BMR by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. This can help to keep weight gain within a healthy range and reduce the risk of pregnancy complications.

FAQs

1. Why does BMR increase during pregnancy?

BMR increases during pregnancy due to a number of factors, including increased blood volume, increased uterine size, and increased production of hormones.

2. What are the risks associated with increased BMR during pregnancy?

The risks associated with increased BMR during pregnancy include weight gain, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia.

3. How can pregnant women manage their increased BMR?

Pregnant women can manage their increased BMR by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep.

4. How much weight should a pregnant woman gain?

The recommended weight gain for pregnant women varies depending on their pre-pregnancy weight. However, most women should gain between 25 and 35 pounds during pregnancy.

5. What are some signs and symptoms of gestational diabetes?

The signs and symptoms of gestational diabetes include frequent urination, increased thirst, and unexplained weight loss.