How Much Weight Should I Gain During Pregnancy?

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How Much Weight Should I Gain During Pregnancy?

By Angela Sawinski, edHelperBaby

Pregnancy and Weight Control

       When you are pregnant, you need to get enough calories from your food to nourish your baby and stay in good health yourself.

       How much weight should I gain?

       Your healthcare provider will suggest a range of weight that you should gain. For most women, the recommended amount is 20 to 35 pounds.

       You will gain 20 pounds just by being pregnant, as your breasts, uterus, and baby get bigger. The placenta, bag of waters (amniotic sac), and extra blood and body fluids are included in this 20-pound gain.

       The following table gives recommended ranges of total weight gain for pregnant women according to their weight-for-height category:

       Weight-for-Height Category Recommended Weight Gain

       Low (underweight)                              28 to 40 pounds

       Normal                                                 25 to 35 pounds

       High (overweight)                               15 to 25 pounds

       Obese                                                   less than 15 pounds

       Overweight mothers may have larger babies and be at higher risk for diabetes during pregnancy. However, if you are overweight, you should not try to lose weight during pregnancy. This can be harmful to the baby. You should still gain 15 to 25 pounds during pregnancy.

       If you are more than 10% below the average weight for your height, you are more likely to have problems such as preeclampsia (blood pressure problems), premature delivery, and bleeding. Your healthcare provider can help you plan a diet that will help you gain enough weight.

       What if I gain too much weight?

       Try to stay within the weight range that your healthcare provider sets for you. If you gain too much weight, you may be overeating or eating the wrong types of foods. Your healthcare provider can review your diet and decide whether you are eating too much. If you are not overeating and are eating the right types of food, the extra weight is usually extra water. Too much salt in your diet can cause extra water weight. If you gain too much weight, you may have trouble losing the extra pounds after the baby is born.

       What if I don't gain enough weight?

       If you do not gain enough weight (less than two pounds a month in the last six months), the baby may have problems at birth. It is important not to lose weight while you are pregnant. Ask your healthcare provider or a dietician to help you plan your diet.

       Special Situations
If you are a teenage mother, you have special requirements because you are still growing yourself and you need extra nutrients. Talk to your healthcare provider about a diet plan.
If you need financial help buying nutritious foods, a government program called the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children can help you buy foods like milk, eggs, cheese, and bread.
If you have cravings for things that are not food (such as starch, clay, or ice) and eat these things instead of food, you will not get proper nutrition and it will be hard for you to gain weight. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have these cravings.

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