How Much Weight Should You Gain During Pregnancy?

Weight gain is a normal and expected result during pregnancy. But, how much weight moms-to-be should gain demands careful consideration. Usually, expecting women gain weight due to a number of factors, involving growing baby and the chances in the body. Factors like placenta, amniotic fluid, increased blood volume, and expanded fat stores contribute to weight gain, which is considered healthy and natural.

However, one must have a clear understanding about the same, for excessive weight gain can cause numerous complications. Moms-to-be may experience symptoms like

• High blood pressure

• Gestational diabetes

• Headaches

• Dizziness

• Nausea and other complications
  

Many expectant women develop pre-eclampsia, which leads to:

• High blood pressure

• Seizures

• Other life-threatening complications
  

High blood pressure can reduce the blood supply to the fetus, resulting in decreased oxygen supply and fewer nutrients. Understandably, all these can be harmful to both the baby and the mother.

With proper guidelines and insights, moms-to-be can maintain their health and weight. Let’s explore:

Understanding the Importance of Healthy Pregnancy Weight Gain

Healthy weight gain during pregnancy is crucial for both the mother's and the baby's well-being. It supports optimal fetal development, reduces the risk of complications like preterm birth or low birth weight, and can make postpartum weight loss easier. Excessive or insufficient weight gain can lead to various health issues for both mother and child. While excessive weight gain can be problematic, healthy weight gain during pregnancy is beneficial for the mother and baby. Here’s how it helps:

• Supporting optimal fetal development 

• Reducing the risk of complications like pre-term birth or low birth weight

• Making  postpartum weight loss easier

Recommended Weight Gain Guidelines Based on Pre-Pregnancy BMI

Several factors determine healthy weight gain. One such factor is pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index (BMI). According to the CDC, while underweight women (BMI less than 18.5) may gain 28-40 pounds, normal weight women (BMI 18.5-24.9) are recommended 25-35 pounds weight gain. 15-25 pounds is ideal for overweight women (BMI 25-29.9), while obese women (BMI 30 or higher) should not exceed 11-20 pounds.

Trimester-by-Trimester Breakdown of Expected Weight Gain

1. First trimester: During the first trimester, moms-to-be don’t need any extra calories. The weight gain during this phase accounts for no weight to only about 1–5 pounds (lb).
   

2. Second trimester: As expectant mothers enter the second trimester, they may need an extra 340 calories per day to support the bodily changes. Usually, 0.5–1 lb weight gain per week is considered normal.
   

3. Third trimester: During the third trimester, expectant mothers need extra 450 calories per. They may gain about 0.5–1 lb per week.

Factors That Influence Weight Gain During Pregnancy

Several factors are responsible for weight gain during pregnancy. Some common factors include:

Pre-pregnancy Factors:

• Pre-pregnancy BMI

• Maternal height 

• Age parity
  

Dietary Factors

• Caloric Intake 

• Dietary Patterns 

• Nutrient Intake
  

Lifestyle Factors

• Physical Activity 

• Smoking

• Alcohol and Substance Use
  

Other factors include social and economic status, stress and anxiety, genetics, medical conditions, fetal size, multiple pregnancies, etc.

Risks of Being Underweight

While excessive weight can pose many life-threatening situations like high pressure, kidney damage, blood vessel damage, and other complications, women who are underweight may experience certain health conditions, such as:

• Malnutrition 

• Osteoporosis

• Decreased muscle strength 

• Hypothermia 

• Lower immunity
  

According to Better Health Channel, underweight females, those with a BMI below 18.5, have less of a chance of becoming pregnant than those who are a healthy weight.

Tips for Managing a Balanced Diet and Weight During Pregnancy

It is very important for both the mother and the baby to eat a balanced diet and stay at a healthy weight while pregnant. This includes:

• Eating a wide range of highly nutritious foods 

• Staying hydrated

• Regular exercise at a moderate level
  

If you have concerns about your weight, consult a doctor. Don’t try any over-the-counter supplements or medications for weight management. 

Author Bio:

Prapti Chauhan is a professor of Genetics in Bangalore. She has contributed to several online research papers. However, she passionately develops content on pregnancy, childbirth, childcare, stem cell banking and benefits of cord blood banking.