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Pregnancy Weight Gain

Written by: Olivia Wallace

 

Pregnancy weight gain is one of those unavoidable aspects of having a baby. For those women who anticipate those extra pounds with fear and dread, the reality is that you just have to accept it — and do the best you can to gain the weight in a healthy, moderate manner. While nobody wants to tell a pregnant woman that they're gaining too much weight, the reality is that putting on those extra lbs now will make taking them off later much more difficult.

Although you are "eating for two," you only have to increase your calories by about 200-300 per day. Anything more will likely go straight to your thighs than your baby. In general, doctors recommend the following for a healthy pregnancy weight gain:

  • Underweight (below 18.5 BMI): 28 to 40 pounds (12.7- 18.14 kg)
  • Healthy Weight (18.5 – 24.9 BMI): 25 to 37 pounds (11.33 – 16.78 kg)
  • Overweight (25 – 29.9 BMI): 15 to 25 pounds (6.8 – 16.78 kg)
  • Obese (over 30 BMI): 15 pounds

Although these pregnancy weight gain guidelines have been generally accepted for decades, recently, the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology published a study that revealed that women who had gained an appropriate amount of weight during their pregnancy increased their risk of having an overweight toddler down the road fourfold. Another study showed that women who gained 50 (22.65 kg) or more pounds during pregnancy also increased their risk of developing breast cancer later in life. While you may enjoy each pregnancy pound one chocolate cookie or taco at a time, you'll most likely regret the extra weight that isn't doing you or your baby any good. The following is a breakdown of where an average weight gain goes:

  • Baby: 7.5 to 8.5 pounds (3.4 – 3.8 kg)
  • Amniotic fluid and placenta: 3.5 to 4 pounds (1.58 – 1.8 kg)
  • Breasts: 1.5 to 2 pounds (680 – 907 g)
  • Added blood volume: 3 pounds (1.36 kg)
  • Uterus: 2 to 2.5 pounds (907 g – 1.13 kg)
  • Water retention: 4 pounds (1.8 kg)
  • Maternal fat stores: 8 pounds (3.62 kg)

One good rule of thumb regarding how fast you should gain weight during pregnancy is slow and steady, and in moderation. This is a general schedule that can help you stay on track with pregnancy weight gain:

  • First trimester: 3 to 5 pounds (1.36 – 2.26 kg)
  • Second trimester: 1 to 2 pounds per week (453.59 – 907 g)
  • Third trimester: 1 to 2 pounds per week

Of course, every woman will gain weight differently, and may even gain weight differently with subsequent pregnancies. Remember, that gaining too much weight will make you uncomfortable and can put you at risk for added aches and pains as well as pregnancy induced conditions. Eating a balanced, healthy diet and getting adequate exercise during your pregnancy can help get you and keep you on track for a healthy pregnancy weight gain. You'll thank yourself later when the weight comes off easier after you give birth!

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