During pregnancy, a healthy weight gain is necessary for promoting the growth and development of the unborn baby. It also supports the mother’s health needs during pregnancy. For most normal weight women, a healthy weight gain is about 25-35 pounds for most women. This is usually accomplished by eating 150-200 calories a day during the first few months of pregnancy and about 300 calories more a day in the 2nd or 3rd trimester. Weight gain is usually distributed as follows:
Baby - 7 to 8 pounds
Mother:
Breast growth - 1-3 pounds
Protein and fat stores - 6 to 8 pounds
Placenta - 1.5 pounds
Uterus growth - 2 pounds
Amniotic fluid - 2 pounds
Mother’s blood volume - 3 to 4 pounds
Mother’s body fluids - 2 to 3 pounds
Normal weight women do not need to gain much weight during the first trimester. Consistent weight gain is necessary during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters, usually 3 to 4 pounds a month until delivery. This, of course, will vary if women are underweight, overweight, obese or carrying multiples:
If underweight, should gain between 28-40 pounds
If overweight, should gain between 15-25 pounds
If obese, should gain at least 15 pounds
If carrying twins or triplets, should gain between 35-45 pounds
Symptoms may include:
Positive pregnancy test
What your doctor can do:
Diagnose pregnancy and perform a physical exam
Prescribe a prenatal vitamin, iron and folic acid supplement
Recommend a balanced diet to include Grains, Fruits and Vegetables, Protein and Dairy products
Recommend small snacks and small meals throughout the day to help reduce nausea symptoms
Monitor weight gain throughout pregnancy
Refer to a nutritionist for meal planning
Monitor chronic medical conditions related to diet like diabetes mellitus
Recommend an exercise program
What you can do:
Visit with your doctor BEFORE becoming pregnant
Follow-up with your doctor regularly; keep all prenatal visits
Eat a variety of foods daily to ensure that you receive the necessary nutrients. Refer to the food pyramid developed by the USDA for the latest recommendations (www.mypyramid.gov)
Talk to your doctor about your weight gain goals. This may vary if pregnant with multiple babies (twins, triplets, etc…)
What you can expect:
Morning sickness may change your eating habits
Food cravings for certain foods
Periods of increased or decreased appetite
Gaining more weight than recommended during pregnancy and failure to lose the extra pounds within six months after delivery can lead to obesity
If underweight, gaining weight during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters is important to prevent premature birth and low-birth weights
Consult with your doctor if you are thinking about becoming pregnant or if you are pregnant and need assistance with healthy food choices and meal planning.
Seek immediate medical attention if you are pregnant and are experiencing periods of uncontrolled nausea/vomiting, a severely decreased appetite, or any unexpected weight loss or weight gain.
