Where Do Those Extra Pounds Come From?

By Shelly Matthews, DC Lamaze Childbirth Educator

Have you ever wondered how you can get a seven pound sweetie when you know you've gained four times that amount? How is that possible? Well, here's the breakdown on those extra pounds:

Breast: 1-2 lbs.

Placenta: 1-2 lbs.

Uterus: 1-2 lbs.

Amniotic Fluid: 2-3 lbs.

Additional Blood Volume: 3-4 lbs.

Other Additional Body Fluids: 3-4 lbs.

Protein and Fat Stores: 8-10 lbs.

and finally, the sweet little baby you've been waiting for: 6-8 lbs.

So, the total weight gain: 25-35 lbs.

How will that extra weight disappear? What will happen naturally and when can I go back to the gym?

Learn the answers to these questions, and more, when you register for a Lamaze Prepared Childbirth or Infant Care & CPR class with DC Lamaze!