Feeling trapped with the extra weight post-delivery? Here’s what to do

Even though pregnancy and childbirth are incredible times, including thousands of unsaid emotions that make you feel good about it. On the other hand, it is one of the most distressing times because it leads to growth and changes in the body, especially weight gain for a woman.

If you have ever been pregnant or are planning to be an expectant mother, you might have surely heard the saying "nine months on, nine months off". Even though pregnancy weight is considered normal and is widely accepted, the main point lies in getting into space post-childbirth. No matter how much-normalised baby fat is for many new moms, it is still frustrating to face and carry the extra lingering pounds, and that is not fair.

As per Dr. Elsa, a Women's Obstetrics & Gynaecology Specialist, there should be no rush to get back to the pre-pregnancy weight because postpartum weight loss varies from woman to woman. There are several people who eat whatever they want and do not put on weight. Then there are those who, no matter how much they work out or diet, face a hard time losing the extra weight. 

In order to resolve this, till now you might have exercised without fail and have tried every diet in the book, but still keep on asking yourself why can’t I lose weight? Well, it turns out that there are other factors responsible for not losing weight after childbirth as well.

The popular reasons why you are not able to lose the pregnancy weight are:

1. You are not getting enough sleep: After having a baby, it is common that your nighttime sleep is often compromised, leaving you exhausted throughout the day. To manage everything, it is important to have at least 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep.

2. You are choosing the wrong food: Cutting down on calories in order to lose weight might be the right approach, but your metabolism is the main thing. It might not be the same as it was before the pregnancy. To control it, switch to healthy and nutritious food items.

3. You are exhausted and stressed: If you are stressed and exhausted, you will not be able to reduce the weight and will keep on struggling with weight maintenance.

4. You have an unknown food intolerance problem: There could be something that you do not know related to your eating habits and health. There are several foods that can interfere with your weight loss. The ones that can trigger food intolerance, leading to a leaky gut. Those food items are peanuts, gluten, soy, sugar, and others.

5. Your body is still healing: Soon after childbirth comes the time when your body starts to heal. It is a bit problematic to lose weight if your body is still healing. 

Tips to help lose baby weight 

In conversation with experts from New Concept Clinic providing the services of Postpartum Care at the Hospital in Dubai. For every new mom that is trying hard to lose weight after having a baby, it is advised to not rush the process. Instead, have patience and give it time. Apart from this, there are other common ways through which you can lose the baby weight. 

1. Eat balanced meals: To help your body heal properly, consume healthy and balanced meals by taking an adequate number of calories, protein, carbs, and fat.

2. Exercise when it is safe: Perform exercises and lift weights that are safe for you. If you are not ready for it, opt for a professional trainer to encourage you to workout safely.

3. Cut fast-energy foods: Slow down or completely avoid foods that have high energy in them. food items with processed sugar and carbs like cakes, cookies, and others. Try to find food items with sustainable energy, providing a balance of fats, proteins, carbs, etc.