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Proper Weight Gain During Pregnancy

By Rachel Lacourciere, edHelperBaby

  How Much Weight Should I Gain During Pregnancy?
           Gaining weight is often one of the most concerning and inevitable parts of a woman's pregnancy.  Yet, there is often conflicting information as to exactly how much weight a woman should gain throughout her pregnancy.  Additionally bear in mind that the weight gained is not just the baby itself, but includes the weight of the placenta, uterus, amniotic fluid, increased breast mass, and increased blood, fluid, and nutrient stores for the baby.       

       It is important you take the time to discuss with your regular prenatal care provider just how much weight you should gain during your pregnancy.  A woman's particular weight gain will depend on her pre-pregnancy weight and her health before she became pregnant.  Listed below are some general guidelines based on a woman's weight before she became pregnant:
  • A pregnant woman should gain approximately 25-37 pounds if she was a healthy weight when she conceived.
  • A pregnant woman should gain approximately 28-40 pounds if she was underweight when she conceived.
  • A pregnant woman should gain approximately 15-25 pounds if she was overweight when she conceived.

 		   

  How Much Weight Should I Gain If I Am Carrying Multiple Babies?
           When pregnant with multiple babies a woman's weight gain is still based on her pre-pregnancy weight and health before she became pregnant.  However, in general carrying multiple babies does not mean she should gain double or triple the weight as in the case of twins or triplets.  If you are carrying multiple babies it is important to take the time to discuss with your regular prenatal care provider just how much weight you should gain during your pregnancy.

 		   

  Is Sudden Weight Gain or Loss Something I Need To Notify My Doctor Or Midwife About?
           Ideally, weight gain should be steady and gradual throughout pregnancy.  This will allow a pregnant woman's body to progressively adjust to the many changes it is faced with during pregnancy.  If a pregnant woman should suddenly gain or lose weight during pregnancy she should notify her doctor immediately as it could be sign of a more serious condition such as preeclampsia.  Preeclampsia (also referred to as Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH) and Toxemia) is a hypertensive disorder that causes the blood vessels to constrict, resulting in high blood pressure and restricted blood flow to organs such as the brain or uterus.       

       Below is an approximate guide of how much weight is considered a steady weight gain for a woman with a healthy pre-pregnancy weight:
  • A pregnant woman should gain approximately 2-5 pounds in the first trimester in total.
  • A pregnant woman should gain approximately 1-2 pounds per week in the second trimester.  A pregnant woman should gain approximately 1-2 pounds per week in the third trimester.

 		   

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