Are you curious about how many calories you can burn by giving birth? According to studies, women lose approximately six kilogrammes during childbirth, including the baby’s weight, placenta, and amniotic fluid. This number can be higher in more difficult labors.
In addition, breastfeeding can also help moms lose the weight gained during pregnancy. However, it’s important to understand that this amount will vary from person to person, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will do the rest till moms can return to their old clothes.
Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about how many calories you burn during labour, what affects how much weight you lose, and some advice for losing weight after childbirth.
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How many calories do you burn during labour?
You can take numerous safe workouts to stay fit, but nothing burns calories like childbirth.
Childbirth takes a lot of energy. However, many women find that they lose weight quickly after giving birth, even if they don’t diet or exercise.
This is because the body burns a significant number of calories while delivering the baby.
However, the amount of calories burned during labour depends on some factors, including:
- Length and intensity of labour
- Size and weight of the baby
- The mother’s pre-pregnancy weight and activity level.
Do uterine contractions burn calories?
Are you surprised to know that uterus contractions burn calories? This is because the contractions use energy, and for that reason, it does burn calories.
Calories get burned while giving birth—the uterus contracts during the stage of labour to push the baby out. There are many stages of labour.
However, the first stage is the longest and starts when the cervix dilates.
The first stage of labour usually lasts about eight hours but can last up to 24 hours. But, do not worry; there are also many things the mothers-to-be can do to speed up the labour.
7 Ways to Speed up Labour
Everyone’s body is different and will labour in its way. However, some things that may help to speed up labour include:
- Walking around and moving around as much as possible
- Having regular massages
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Eating light and healthy food
- Taking a hot bath
- Listening to relaxing music
- Getting plenty of rest
How Many Calories Do You Burn Giving Birth?
Every human body reacts differently to giving birth. According to the National Health Service (NHS), most pregnant women gain between 10kg to 12.5kg.
All of this weight is due to the baby’s growth and fat saved for the production of breast milk once the baby is delivered.
6 tips to help you burn more calories during labour
Stay active during labour
Movement and activity can help you burn more calories during labour. For example, try walking, squatting, or changing positions often.
Drink plenty of water
Hydration can help keep you energised and burning calories throughout labour.
Use a birthing ball
A birthing ball can help you stay active and burn more calories during labour.
Opt for a natural birth
Natural birth can help you burn more calories, as you will move more throughout labour.
Avoid an epidural
An epidural can slow down labour and reduce the number of calories you burn.
Push when you feel the urge
Pushing when you feel the urge will help you move more and burn more calories.
Is it okay to exercise during pregnancy?
It is okay to exercise during pregnancy. Exercising during pregnancy has many benefits that will help moms feel better and regain their bodies. And it’s also safe and recommended to do so.
What kinds of exercise are safe during pregnancy?
Doing exercise during pregnancy is safe because it benefits both you and the baby. It will also prepare the body for labour and many other benefits. See below a list of seven types of exercises that are safe during pregnancy.
6 Types of exercises during pregnancy
Are you going for a checkup soon? If so, it’s always recommended to talk with your healthcare provider regarding the types of exercises that are recommended or safe for you.
Regardless, a healthy lifestyle will help prevent complications and ease the labour and birth of the baby.
See below six types of physical activity that are safe to do so during pregnancy:
- Pilates
- Swimming
- Walking
- Aerobics (online classes)
- Prenatal Yoga
- Abdominal exercises
5 benefits of exercising during pregnancy
Exercising during pregnancy benefits both the mother and the baby. It helps keep the mother healthy and can help prevent problems such as gestational diabetes.
In addition, it can help the baby stay healthy and may even reduce the risk of the issues such as obesity and asthma.
See below five benefits of exercising during pregnancy:
- It helps keep the mother healthy.
- It can help prevent problems such as gestational diabetes.
- It can help the baby stay healthy.
- May even reduce the risk of such problems as obesity and asthma.
- It can help prepare the body for labour.
What Is The Pain Like During Labour?
Each woman’s labour pain is unique. Some women describe it as a slight pain or mild pressure, while others describe it as severe and sharp.
The pain begins typically gradually and intensifies as labour proceeds. But it’s all worth it when you finally get to hold your precious baby in your arms.
The pain during labour is caused by the baby’s head pressing down on the cervix. This pressure may also cause pain in your back, sides, or thighs.
Many say that having a baby is like running a marathon or very similar, so worry later about gaining weight. Remember that all those extra calories are crucial to keeping the baby healthy.
Conclusion
Giving birth consumes the most calories of any human activity. It’s more than just running a marathon.
While there are numerous safe workouts that pregnant women can undertake to maintain their fitness, giving birth is by far the biggest calorie-burning activity a woman can do.
So, if you want to reduce weight while pregnant, don’t worry – merely giving birth will burn many calories. Keep this in mind if you’re pregnant and trying to lose weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of physical activity aren’t safe during pregnancy?
All physical activities requiring bouncing movements, such as horseback riding, skiing, cycling, or basketball, aren’t safe for the baby.
Additionally, exercises that raise your body temperature significantly, such as exercising outside when it’s too hot or humid, are not recommended.
Do you burn more calories pregnant?
Yes, pregnant women gain more calories while pregnant. This is due to an increase in weight and body surface area.
All weight gained during pregnancy is necessary for a healthy pregnancy.
Why is it important to gain weight while pregnant?
It is critical to gain weight while pregnant. The weight you gain will keep you and your baby healthy. Additionally, the extra fat is retained in the body for breastfeeding your baby following birth.
Why is it harder to lose weight after a baby?
It is harder to lose weight after a baby because, during pregnancy, the body produces hormones that help the baby grow. In addition, the body requires time to adjust and return to pre-pregnancy after giving birth.