The most expectant mothers are concerned about how much weight they will gain during pregnancy. The intelligent way to approach the question of gaining weight is to understand how much weight is required to create a new baby. Again, there are guidelines, but since you are a unique individual, there may be variations from those guidelines. The recommended weight gain is about 25 to 35 pounds for women of normal weight at the beginning of pregnancy. If you are already underweight, then you should gain near the top of this range. And if you are markedly overweight, then you should gain less, about 15 to 20 pounds. Whatever your weight gain, it is important that you eat a nutritious diet to ensure both you and your fetus have an adequate intake of essential nutrients.

It is easy for most people to gain weight, but when you are pregnant you have to focus on gaining only what you need. There are several problems which come from excessive weight gain during pregnancy. First, the heavy load can cause aches and pains in the legs and back. Second, a rapid and excessive weight gain can cause your blood pressure to rise and strain your heart. Third, if you are excessively heavy, you will have trouble moving and may trip and fall. Finally, your extra weight can make labor and delivery more difficult.

One fallacy for pregnant women is to think that gaining extra weight will mean that you will create a larger baby. But this is not necessarily true. Gaining extra weight during pregnancy means that after delivery you will be larger.

Weight Distribution

Ideal preconception weight

Was your weight healthy for your height and age before you conceived? Find out using the table below, or use our body mass index calculator to determine your ideal preconception weight.

Weight Gain during Pregnancy: A Synopsis

Each time you visit your doctor for a prenatal visit, your doctor will probably assess your weight gain. Excessive weight gain between any two visits might be an early warning sign for serious conditions, including pre-eclampsia, which can cause unusually high levels of edema in the body.

While it is important that you gain weight during your pregnancy, you want to avoid gaining too much weight by eating an unhealthy diet. Too much weight gain during pregnancy may contribute to a condition called gestational diabetes, which can be harmful for both mom and her unborn fetus.

Other considerations with regard to weight gain may also be your height and health prior to pregnancy. Women carrying twins will generally be encouraged to gain even more weight than their singleton counterparts.

Most women will generally gain 1 pound per month during the first trimester, half a pound per week during the second and 1 pound per week during the third, though this too varies from woman to woman.

Some women gain more during their second trimester for example, than all other trimesters combined. The important thing to remember is that it is vital to eat a well balanced diet with foods from each of the four food groups.

To help monitor your weight during pregnancy, keep in mind that most women will be consuming between 2,100 to 2,700 calories per day.

A well balanced diet that includes an adequate amount of protein, fat and carbohydrates will ensure that you are feeding your baby the best nutrients available during pregnancy.

Pregnancy is definitely not a time to diet. If you are overly concerned about gaining weight, talk with your practitioner and seek out some support.

Remember that it is important for you and your baby to remain healthy during pregnancy, and that means that you will have to gain some weight during the course of your pregnancy!

The best thing you can do for yourself is remember that every woman is unique and different. Most women find that they start losing weight very swiftly after pregnancy.

Try not to compare yourself with others and remember that every pound you add is a pound that will help your baby grow and develop safely in your womb!

Problems from too much weight

Obesity is the cause of many pregnancy problems, including a substantially increased incidence of cesarean section. If you are obese and trying to conceive, talk to your doctor about losing weight before you start your pregnancy.