The third trimester of pregnancy is when the fetus gains most of its weight. During this period, its lungs fully develop, hair and nails grow, movement increases, and more. This is also the period when fat starts to build up to help keep its body temperature as well as energy.
To support all this growth, your doctor may advise you to increase your food intake. According to the American Pregnancy Association, your baby gains around 1/2 pound (266.6 gms) each week during the 9th month of pregnancy. This requires adequate nourishment and monitoring to ensure that your baby’s growth is not hampered.
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Knowing the estimated foetal weight is crucial as it can help monitor the baby’s growth and ensure proper development. It aids in identifying potential issues and guiding appropriate prenatal care. It is advisable to consult your healthcare provider for accurate assessments.
Each person is different and subject to multiple factors that affect weight and response to food intake. Some common reasons why you might not be hitting the weight marks could be:
Make sure to keep a note of your weight gain and food habits as this impacts your baby’s growth.
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Foetal weight is typically estimated using ultrasound. The measurement involves assessing the baby’s head circumference, abdominal circumference, and femur length. These values are used in a formula to estimate weight.
The last few weeks of pregnancy are when the baby’s weight and development rapidly increase. Below is a chart of the normal weight of a baby during the 9th month of pregnancy.
Deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals can stunt your baby’s growth. To increase the weight of your baby in the 9th month of pregnancy, you can include the following foods in your diet:
Balance is key when it comes to foods that increase fetal weight in the 9th month of pregnancy. Monitor your diet and do not go overboard with any particular food.
Ensure that whatever you eat is unprocessed and avoid canned foods. Take the time to read food labels and understand the nutritional value of what you purchase and consume.
Whatever you consume directly impacts your baby’s health. Try eating around 5 to 6 times a day in controlled quantities in case you aren’t comfortable with large meals or are experiencing a loss of appetite.
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In addition to ensuring the safe and healthy growth of your baby, you also benefit from the following by maintaining a healthy baby weight during the 9th month of pregnancy:
This chart is an average estimate; your doctor’s recommendations to your pregnancy may vary.
Caring for yourself during pregnancy involves three essentials: physical well-being, mental well-being and fetal well-being. While most of your concentration will be on fetal well-being, you should maintain a positive balance among all three. Below are a few pointers:
Various factors play a role when it comes to maintaining an ideal baby weight in the 9th month of pregnancy. Some methods may work, and others might not, depending on your body type and medical history. Be sure to take your doctor’s advice and reach out immediately if you see signs out of the ordinary like:
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To support healthy foetal growth and increase baby weight, you have to focus on your well-being by eating a balanced diet, taking prenatal vitamins, attending regular check-ups, staying hydrated, getting adequate rest and managing stress.
Fruits rich in essential nutrients for foetal development include bananas (potassium, folate), avocados (healthy fats, folate), oranges (vitamin C, folate), berries (antioxidants, fibre), papayas (vitamin C, folate) and apples (fibre, vitamins).
Foetal weight is typically estimated using ultrasound. The measurement involves assessing the baby’s head circumference, abdominal circumference, and femur length. These values are used in a formula to estimate weight.
Yes, knowing the estimated foetal weight can help monitor the baby’s growth and ensure proper development. It aids in identifying potential issues and guiding appropriate prenatal care. Consult your healthcare provider for accurate assessments.