Managing Weight Gain During Pregnancy: What to Expect
How much weight is too much? Understanding healthy weight gain during pregnancy.
Understanding Weight Gain in Pregnancy
Weight gain during pregnancy is normal and essential for the growth of your baby. Much of the weight comes from the growing baby, placenta, amniotic fluid, and fat stores your body retains to prepare for breastfeeding. However, how much weight you should gain depends on your pre-pregnancy weight and your level of physical activity.
Recommended Weight Gain Based on Pre-Pregnancy BMI:
Normal BMI (18.5 - 24.9):
If your BMI was within the normal range before pregnancy, you can expect to gain between 10 to 12 kg during the entire pregnancy.
Underweight (BMI < 18.5):
If you were underweight before pregnancy, you might need to gain more, around 13 to 18 kg.
Overweight (BMI 25 - 29.9):
If you were overweight, the ideal weight gain is lower, between 7 to 11 kg.
Obese (BMI ≥ 30):
If you were obese before pregnancy, it’s recommended to keep weight gain between 5 to 9 kg.
Pregnancy with Twins:
Expecting twins? A healthy weight gain ranges from 17 to 22 kg.
Weight Gain by Trimester
First Trimester (Weeks 1-12):
During the first trimester, weight gain may be minimal, often less than 2 kg, due to nausea, vomiting, and digestive issues.
Second and Third Trimester:
From the second trimester onward, expect to gain about 0.5 kg per week if your BMI is in the normal range.
Risks of Excessive or Insufficient Weight Gain:
Gaining Too Much Weight:
Excessive weight gain can increase the risk of gestational diabetes, hypertension, and complications during delivery. If you're gaining too much, your doctor may recommend dietary adjustments and monitoring.
Gaining Too Little Weight:
While insufficient weight gain could indicate low baby weight, this isn't always the case. Your doctor will evaluate your baby's growth and provide guidance if needed.
Conclusion:
Healthy weight gain in pregnancy depends on your pre-pregnancy BMI and overall health. Regular checkups with your doctor will help ensure you're gaining the right amount of weight for a healthy pregnancy. Balanced nutrition and appropriate physical activity play a vital role in maintaining a healthy pregnancy weight.
Empowered moms raise happy families!
Our team, along with specialist doctors and consultants, curate these blogs just for you. Let us know what motherhood questions you have in the comments, and don't forget to follow us on Instagram (@trustmama.in) for more insights from our doctors. Together, we can build a supportive community and make motherhood a truly wonderful experience.
Comments