Weight Gain During Pregnancy

Weight gain during pregnancy


Pregnancy does not give you the license for whatever that comes your way to eat. Although, weight gain during pregnancy is a must for a healthy growth of the neither unborn child, nor gain excess weight and also by eating the wrong kind of food you can complicate your delivery by the time you are in the works. So, how much weight gain during pregnancy is normal and healthy? Let's find out.

weight gain during pregnancy

Recommended weight gain during pregnancy


The recommended weight gain during pregnancy depends on your weight before conception. Given below is the average weight gain during pregnancy, which is considered healthy for women.

  1. Among obese women  :  Women whose body mass index, i.e., BMI was less than 18.5, before they were pregnant should gain 13-18 kg (28-40 pounds) in weight gain during pregnancy.
  2. Normal-weight women  : Women, who are BMI ranged from 18.5 to 24.9 prior to conception, should be 11-16 kilograms (25-35 kg) to gain during pregnancy.
  3. Obese women  : Women who are BMI before pregnancy was 25 to 29.9 should be 7-11 kg (15-25 kg) gain during pregnancy.
  4. Obese Women  :  Women with pregnancy BMI of 30 or higher, only 5-9 kg (11-20 kg) gains during pregnancy.

The recommended normal weight gain during pregnancy by trimester is 3-5 pounds in the first three months, 1-2 pounds per week weight gain in the second trimester and about 1-2 pounds of weight gain per week in the third. You can read more on pregnancy weight gain from week to week. Monthly weight gain during pregnancy, which is considered healthy can be anywhere between 3-4 pounds in the second and third trimester. Weight gain during the first trimester is usually less than a majority of pregnant women suffer from morning sickness, weight loss symptoms during this period.



As weight during pregnancy influence


Although it easier to gain weight by eating junk food, should not a pregnant woman eats make healthy food choices during pregnancy than the type of food she and her unborn child's health can be determined. A woman should make sure their pregnancy is diet rich in vitamins and minerals that are so necessary for the proper development of their babies. Given below are some tips for healthy weight gain during pregnancy.

  1. A pregnant woman should eat breakfast every day. Whole grain bread with peanut butter or cheese provides the additional proteins that your body needs.
  2. A pregnant woman should eat healthy snacks between meals such as yogurt, dried fruit, sliced fruit and juices enriched with nutrients. You can read more on food to eat during pregnancy.
  3. Good fats, as they should in olive oil, fatty fish and nuts are added to the diet.
  4. Balanced nutrition for pregnant women should include vitamin C-rich juices such as orange juice, carrot juice and grapefruit juice.

Effects of obesity and underweight in pregnancy


If a woman is much more than the recommended amount of weight gain during pregnancy, she may experience pain in the legs, back pain, high blood pressure and extreme fatigue. The woman may develop varicose veins and may even suffer from gestational diabetes. An overweight woman would go into operation for a Caesarean section to deliver the baby. On the other hand, when a woman is underweight during pregnancy, the risk of premature delivery and the baby could be born to Underweight. If a pregnant woman suddenly loses or gains weight, they should contact a physician or health care professional as it can be a sign of preeclampsia.

All women should aim for steady weight gain during pregnancy; the baby gets its nutrients from the food every day. There may be some variation in weight gain sometimes, but most of the time it is recommended in line with what is. A pregnant woman should consult a midwife or a doctor on their nutritional habits and the amount of daily calories they take in order to ensure a healthy pregnancy should.

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