Pre-pregnancy Weight
Your pre-pregnancy weight refers to your weight before you became pregnant. If you don’t know your weight from that time, one from your first trimester can be used. If you can’t remember either of these weight measures ask your doctor at your next visit, they should have a record.
Weight at Delivery
Your weight at delivery refers to your weight in the last few weeks before delivery. If you can’t remember ask your doctor at your next visit, they should have a record.
Goals for 12 Months Postpartum
It is recommended that you try to return to your pre-pregnancy weight by 6 to 12 months after delivery. Therefore your pre-pregnancy weight may be a good goal weight to set for 12 months. Your check-up at 6 weeks is a great time to discuss weight loss with your doctor and set realistic and healthy goals.
Weight
Weight alone is not the best measure of overall health; however during your first year after delivery it is important to work towards losing the weight you gained during pregnancy. At this time stepping on a scale may be the last thing that you want to do, we suggest you not weigh yourself on a daily or even weekly basis. Rather, weighing yourself at approximately two month intervals will provide you with a better picture of your weight loss progress. By 6 months you should be on your way to losing all of the weight you gained during pregnancy. If you are not near your goal weight don’t be discouraged, weight loss is challenging, keep making healthy lifestyle choices and ask for help when you need it!
Body Mass Index
The body mass index (BMI) is a measure that estimates an individual’s body fat. It is calculated based on your height and weight. It provides doctors with a way of determining if you are at a healthy weight. It was developed based on individuals with a normal activity level and body composition, therefore your doctor may take other measures such as waist circumference, activity level and diet into account when determining if you are at a healthy weight.
Waist Circumference
The waist circumference is a measurement of abdominal fat. A high measurement can indicate increased risk of many conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. We recommend that your health care provider measure your waist circumference at 6 and 12 months.