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How much gain weight during pregnancy? overweight pregnancy weight gain is a normal and important element of the process of supporting the fetus’s growth and development. The amount of weight gained during pregnancy is determined by various factors, including the person’s pre-pregnancy weight.
Depending on their pre-pregnancy weight and BMI, a pregnant woman must satisfy prescribed weight gain targets (BMI).
Gaining less or more weight than recommended can have negative health consequences.
This article looks at pregnancy weight gain standards and how much a woman should gain during each trimester. We also talk about ways to avoid gaining or losing too much weight during pregnancy, as well as how to stay healthy while pregnant.
Guidelines for gaining weight while pregnant
You’ve probably heard that while pregnant, you should gain 25 to 35 pounds. That range, however, only applies to persons whose BMI before pregnancy was in the “normal weight” category. Your BMI is determined by multiplying your height and weight together. The first step in determining your weight gain objective is to calculate your BMI before pregnancy, as this will influence how many pounds you should acquire during your pregnancy.
Expecting twins? you’d gain the following amount of weight:
- 50-62 pound underweight
- 37 to 54 pounds is a healthy weight range.
- 31 to 50 lbs. overweight
- Obese people weigh between 25 and 42 pounds.
In each trimester, how much weight should you gain?
The amount of weight a woman needs to acquire during pregnancy, as well as the additional calories she requires, varies per trimester.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has some general recommendations for a woman having one fetus with a moderate pre-pregnancy BMI:
During the first trimester:
A person does not require additional calories. During the first trimester, they may gain little weight or merely 1–5 pounds (lb).
Second trimester:
During the second trimester, a person requires an additional 340 calories per day. They could gain 0.5–1 pound per week.
Third trimester:
During the third trimester, a person needs an additional 450 calories each day. They could gain 0.5–1 pound per week.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, a woman carrying multiples needs an extra 300 calories for each fetus. As a result, someone who is pregnant with twins requires an additional 600 calories every day. A person should consult their doctor if they have triplets or more.
A person who is underweight or obese during pregnancy should also contact their doctor about formulating a dietary plan.
During pregnancy, where does the weight go?
Only 7–8 lb of a woman’s pregnancy weight increase is due to the baby. However, the majority of the weight gained during pregnancy is due to the baby and is not fat.
For an individual with a moderate BMI, a weight gain of 25–35 lb is indicated. This weight goes to:
- 7–8 lb infant
- 2–3 lb placenta
- 7–8 lb amniotic fluid 2–3 pound breasts
- 2–3 pound blood supply
- 4-pound uterus
- 2–5 pound fat reserves for delivery and breast
If other parts of the pregnancy are good, a few pounds beyond this weight increase range is usually not a cause for concern.
Is it safe to lose weight while expecting a child?
Gaining weight during pregnancy is a natural part of ensuring a healthy pregnancy and supporting the fetus’ development and growth.
As a result, doctors do not advise pregnant women to diet or lose weight, even if they are obese.
If a woman is obese while pregnant, her doctor may advise her to lose weight. They should, however, only do so with their doctor’s permission and supervision.
Excessive overweight pregnancy weight gain
Putting on too much weight during pregnancy might have negative consequences for both the mother and the kid.
A person’s risk of pregnancy-related problems may be enhanced, including:
- Preeclampsia (pregnancy-related hypertension) is a kind of gestational diabetes.
- Cesarean section
- Premature labor, extended labor, and stillbirth are all possible outcomes.
- Macrosomia is when a baby is born larger than typical. They are also more prone to health issues later in life, such as obesity and heart disease.
How to be healthy during pregnancy?
The following suggestions may assist a woman in staying healthy during her pregnancy:
Consume a healthy, well-balanced diet.
This contains a wide range of foods, including lean protein, whole grains, low-fat dairy, veggies, and fruits, to name a few. Added sugars and solid fats should be consumed in moderation. Foods that aren’t safe to eat during pregnancy should be avoided.
Continue to be active.
Unless a healthcare expert advises otherwise, physical activity is safe and healthful for pregnant women. Walking and swimming are two exercises that are both safe and useful during pregnancy.
Make sure you drink plenty of water.
8–12 cups of water should be consumed by pregnant women. This is necessary for the production of amniotic fluid, the circulation of nutrients throughout the body, and the removal of pollutants.
Take vitamins if necessary.
A pregnant woman may inquire about the nutrients she requires from her doctor. During pregnancy, a person solely requires folic acid and iodine. Depending on their risk factors, some people may require additional vitamins.
Consult a medical professional.
Throughout the pregnancy, a doctor will keep track of a pregnant woman’s weight and overall health. A nutritionist can also assist you to figure out how to increase or decrease your calorie intake as needed.
When to consult a doctor about pregnancy weight gain?
During pregnancy, a person should interact with their health care provider.
If they want to know if they are accomplishing their weight goals or if they need help establishing a healthy diet plan, they can chat to their doctors. If somebody notices any of the following symptoms, they should immediately contact a doctor:
- Gaining too little weight or not gaining enough weight in the second or third-trimester unplanned weight loss in the second or third trimester
- The sensation of acquiring excessive weight
- Rapid weight gain in the presence of an eating disorder might be an indication of preeclampsia
CONCLUSION
- Pregnancy weight increase is a normal and important element of the process of supporting the fetus’s growth and development.
- The amount of weight gain expected varies from person to person and is influenced by several factors, including pre-pregnancy weight.
- To meet their pregnancy weight gain target and maintain their overall pregnancy health, a person should work closely with their healthcare provider.
- This is critical for avoiding pregnancy-related issues such as excessive or insufficient weight gain.
