Weight Gain During Pregnancy

Weight gain during pregnancy is nature’s way of supporting the growing life in your womb. You should neither fear the additional weight nor favor the weight gain that you eat excessively. The gist here is to cultivate healthy weight gain during pregnancy, which is essential to provide the resources to create the best environment that can nurse and nourish your growing baby optimally.

How much weight should you gain during pregnancy?

This will depend on your pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI).  The table below advises on the total weight gain range that is recommended according to your preconception BMI.

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You should gain about 2 to 4 pounds during the first three months of pregnancy before aiming for a 1 pound- weight gain per week from the beginning of the second trimester until labor.

Mothers who are expecting twins should gain more pounds sufficient for the growth of two fetuses. They should also gain 2 to 4 pounds during the first trimester and then proceed with an average of 1.5 pounds-weight gain per week throughout the second and third trimester of pregnancy.

The weight gain is necessary as it contributes to the growth of your baby and the formation of placenta, amniotic fluid, breast tissue, blood supply, uterus and fat stores for delivery and lactation. Take note of your weight gain by charting your weight weekly at the weight gain chart. This will enable you to monitor your progress by comparing it against the normal range of weight gain. Put on weight gradually through balanced and quality food.

You may have strong food cravings during pregnancy. It is reported that most pregnant women have great appetite for sweet and salty food during their pregnancy. A nutritional and balanced diet must be followed during pregnancy. If you have a strong desire for unhealthy foods, try to take the healthier alternatives instead. Take dried apricots or mangoes to replace sweets or opt for frozen yoghurt instead when you crave for ice-cream. Control on your food cravings is important to prevent excessive weight that may harm your baby.

Being overweight during pregnancy contributes to a higher risk of complications like gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia, also known as hypertension during pregnancy.  Being hypertensive during pregnancy could pose harmful effects to you and early delivery through Cesarean section (C-section) may be needed to control your blood pressure. Pregnant mothers who are diabetic are most likely to give birth to bigger babies, resulting in the need for a C-section.  Overweight pregnant mothers may also experience prolonged and difficult labor with complications that can be dangerous to the baby, necessitating an emergency C-section.

Gaining the correct weight is important for your baby and to prevent weight-related complications. Start eating the right food and exercise regularly for a healthy weight gain during pregnancy.