How Much Weight Gain During Pregnancy?

How Much Weight Gain During Pregnancy?

Taking a healthy and well-balanced diet during pregnancy is very essential to ensure the proper growth and development of your unborn baby in the womb. But do you know how many extra calories you need during pregnancy? Are you eating for two? How much weight should you gain during pregnancy? 

Read this article to know all the answers and about healthy and normal weight gain during the pregnancy period.

Weight Gain during pregnancy chart

How much weight gain during pregnancy?

It depends on the health and BMI (Body Mass Index is a measure of body fat based on your height and weight) of a pregnant woman before getting pregnant.

->  A woman with an average weight before pregnancy with a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 should gain 25 to 35 pounds after getting pregnant.

->  An underweight woman before pregnancy with a BMI of less than 18.5 should gain 28 to 40 pounds. 

->  An overweight woman pre-pregnancy with a BMI of 25 to 29 should gain 15 to 25 pounds during pregnancy while an obese woman pre-pregnancy with a BMI of more than 30 should gain 11 to 20 pounds during pregnancy.

Don't worry if you're above or below these recommended weights. Just talk to your health care provider to know the right amount of weight gain for you while pregnant.

(Also read: Is It Safe To Eat Garlic During Pregnancy? )

Month by month weight gain during pregnancy

A pregnant woman should gain about 2 to 4 pounds in the first trimester of pregnancy and 1 pound per week during the rest of the pregnancy.

Weight gain in pregnancy with twins

If a pregnant woman is expecting twins then she should gain approximately 35 to 45 pounds during her pregnancy. Pregnant women with twins should gain 2 to 4 pounds in the first trimester of pregnancy and 1½ pounds per week during the rest of the pregnancy. If you're carrying twins then your recommended weight gain during pregnancy should be:

->  A woman with an average weight before pregnancy with a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 should gain 37 to 54 pounds after getting pregnant.

->  An underweight woman before pregnancy with a BMI of less than 18.5 should gain 50 to 62 pounds. 

->  An overweight woman pre-pregnancy with a BMI of 25 to 29 should gain 31 to 50 pounds during pregnancy.

->  An obese woman pre-pregnancy with a BMI of more than 30 should gain 25 to 42 pounds during pregnancy.

(Also read: Breastfeeding - Tips, Benefits for the Mother and the Baby )

Recommended weight gain during pregnancy

Talk to your health care provider to figure out your recommended weight gain based on your body mass index before pregnancy.

How many extra calories do you need during pregnancy?

Yes, you obviously need some extra calories for the proper development of your growing baby while pregnant. But don't think that you have to eat for two. A pregnant woman needs 150 extra calories per day during the first trimester of pregnancy, 300 to 350 extra calories per day during the second trimester of pregnancy, and 400 to 450 extra calories per day during the third trimester of pregnancy.

However, there are exceptions to this as well, for example, if you're a teenager or underweight before pregnancy then you'll definitely need more extra calories to support your baby's proper growth and development. And if you were overweight or obese before getting pregnant then you need to lower your calorie intake obviously you still need to meet all your nutritional requirements so indulge in high-quality healthy foods which have high nutritional value instead of calorie-dense foods with low nutritional value. So, make sure to talk with your doctor about your daily calorie intake.

(Also read: 12 Common Myths And Facts About Pregnancy That Might Surprise You)

Average Pregnancy Weight Gain Distribution

• Placenta: 1.5 pounds

• Full-term baby: 7.5 pounds

• Amniotic Fluid: 2 pounds

• Uterus: 2 pounds

• Breast Tissue: 2 pounds

• Increased Blood Volume: 4 pounds

• Fat, protein, and other nutrients: 7 pounds

Total = 30 pounds

Weight Gain During Pregnancy

Gaining too much or too little weight both are harmful during pregnancy. If you gain too much weight during pregnancy it increases your chances of developing preeclampsia, diabetes while gaining too little weight increases the chances of the baby being born underweight or prematurely.

(Also read: 13 Amazing Benefits of Prenatal Yoga)

Healthy weight gain during pregnancy

Follow these tips to gain a normal healthy weight during pregnancy

• Don't eat for two.

• Exercise regularly on a daily basis.

• Eat 5 to 6 smaller meals daily.

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

• Avoid junk food snacks such as chips, cookies, candies, etc.

• Consume fresh fruits and vegetables daily as they contain essential vitamins and minerals that are required during pregnancy.

• Avoid consuming sweetened or fizzy drinks.

• Avoid fatty and sugary foods.

• Consume whole-grain bread instead of white bread.

A well-balanced diet and regular exercise are the best ways to ensure a healthy pregnancy. At each prenatal visit, your weight and your baby's growth will be tracked. Your weight gain during pregnancy will be based on your health and your body mass index (BMI) pre-pregnancy. Your health care provider will tell you how much weight gain is recommended for you during pregnancy. Have a happy and safe pregnancy.

Also, read other articles:

• How much Bleeding during pregnancy is normal?

• Your pregnancy at 6 weeks

• Top best 15 fruits to eat during pregnancy.

• 12 early signs of Pregnancy.

Disclaimer: This content is intended for general information only and should not be used as the basis of patient treatment. The given content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, treatment, or any diagnosis. Always consult a doctor for more information. Our website doesn't claim responsibility for this information.