Weight Gain During Pregnancy

Weight gain during pregnancy is normal. But how much weight gain is needed? Do you need to lose weight if you are overweight? If these are the questions, here are your answers.

 During pregnancy you can gain around 25-35 pounds. Weight gain will start from the 1^st trimester of your pregnancy. During this time, you will gain around 1 to 4 pounds. After the 1^st trimester, each week you will gain around 1 pound.

Why there is weight gain during pregnancy?

Your weight gain during pregnancy is not because of the fat, but because of your baby. Here is how 35 pounds if weight gain happens:

•  Your baby weighs around 8 pounds
• The Placenta is around 2-3 pounds
• The Amniotic fluid is 2-3 pounds
• The Breast Tissue is 2-3 pounds
• The Blood Supply is 4 pounds
• The Fat stored is around 5-9 pounds
• The Uterus growth is around 2-5 pounds

How much weight gain is normal during pregnancy?

There is no perfect weight gain for all. Every woman gains weight depending on various factors. These factors include your BMI (Body mass index) and your pre-pregnancy weight.

Let’s see how much gain is normal for you:

• If you are underweight (BMI below 18.5) you must gain around 28 to 40 lbs.
• If you have a healthy weight (BMI 18.5 to 24.9) you must gain around 25 to 35 lbs
• If you are overweight (BMI 25 to 29.9) you just need to gain15 to 25 lbs
• If you are obese (BMI 30 or more) gaining 11 to 20 lbs is enough

If you are carrying twins or more than one baby, then the normal weight gain would be:

• If you are underweight (BMI below 18.5) you must gain 50 to 60 lbs.
• If you have a healthy weight (BMI 18.5 to 24.9) you must gain 37 to 54 lbs
• If you are overweight (BMI 25 to 29.9) you just need to gain 31 to 50 lbs
• If you are obese (BMI 30 or more) gaining 25 to 42 lbs is enough

How to manage your weight during pregnancy?

A healthy pregnancy begins with a well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet and regular exercise. The recommended calorie intake for most pregnant women is:

• 1^st trimester- 1,800 calories per day
• 2^nd trimester- 2,200 calories per day
• 3^rd trimester- 2,400 calories per day

Pregnancy weight management

When you are overweight– if you gain too much weight during pregnancy, you may have complications. The baby might become excessively larger resulting to complications at birth. Its body might get stuck after the head is delivered (shoulder dystocia). Also, you might find it very difficult to lose weight after delivery.

When you are under weight– If you are underweight, you must gain optimum weight during your pregnancy. If you are underweight, you may have a pre-mature delivery and the baby will also be smaller than normal.

Diet for proper weight gain during pregnancy

Healthy weight gain is important for all pregnant women. That is why a proper diet is the best option. Follow these healthy tips, to gain the right amount of weight.

1. Eat small meals 5-6 times a day.
2. Keep nuts, raisins, cheese and crackers, dried fruit, and ice cream or yogurt on hand for quick, easy snacks.
3. Try eating peanut butter. Spread it on crackers, apples, toast, bananas or even celery. Anything which you like the most.
4. Butter or margarine, cream cheese, gravy, sour cream, and cheese can be added to your meal.
5. Mix non-fat powered milk with scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes and hot cereal.

When to see a doctor for pregnancy weight gain

You can always see your doctor if:

• Want to know your ideal weight gain goal.
• If you feel you are gaining more weight than normal gain.
• Losing weight during in your 2^nd and 3^rd trimester instead of gaining weight.
• Having eating disorder.
• Need advice creating a good menu plan in order to gain a healthy amount of weight
• Experiencing rapid weight gain. This could be a sign of preeclampsia, or pregnancy-related high blood pressure, which is a serious medical condition.

For more information on weight gain during pregnancy visit OvenYr.com. You can also book tele- appointment with the doctor. Visit OvenYr.com today for all your pregnancy and postnatal knowhows.