Weight gain in Pregnancy

The amount of weight a woman will gain during pregnancy depends on a number of factors, including their height and pre-pregnancy weight. Women who are carrying twins, triplets or more will be encouraged to gain more weight than women who are carrying a single baby. In general, most women will gain between 15-35 pounds during their pregnancy. The amount you gain will depend on whether you are under, over or normal weight prior to conception.

Breast Changes in Pregnancy

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists provides the following guidelines during pregnancy:

• Approximately 34 pound gain for underweight women
• 25 to 35 pounds for normal weight women
• 15-20 pounds for overweight women

How much weight you gain will depend on a number of factors including your health, the number of babies you are carrying and your pre-pregnancy weight.

Is it safe to travel in two wheeler during pregnancy

Women who are carrying twins will gain more weight than women who are carrying a singleton, as much as 45-50 pounds depending on their pre-pregnancy weight.

Pregnancy Weight Distribution

Where does all this weight go?

• Baby - At birth your baby may weigh between 6-7.5 pounds.
• Uterus - The uterus expands during pregnancy and may weigh 2 pounds.
• Placenta - The placenta, vital for nourishing your baby, generally weighs 1.5 pounds.
• Breasts - Breast tissue often grows during pregnancy, and may weigh up to 1.5 to 2 pounds.
• Blood Volume - Your blood volume will increase during pregnancy up to 4 pounds.
• Fluid - Your body will retain some fluid during pregnancy, as much as 4 pounds!
• Amniotic Fluid - The fluid surrounding your baby will weigh approximately 2 pounds.
• Maternal Fat Stores and Nutrients - You will also gain about 7 pounds of weight that can be attributed to maternal fat and nutrient stores as well as muscle development.

Most women will add on some fat to store for the baby, which is vital to support energy and breastfeeding. These pounds generally come off relatively easily after birth, so don't waste time stressing out about them during your pregnancy! Pregnancy is not the time to diet!

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.

Healthy diet in Pregnancy

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 trimester and 1 pound per week during the third trimester, 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.

Foods to Avoid in Pregnancy

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!

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