Pregnancy weight gain is a given. With a baby on the way, additional nourishment is necessary to keep mother and child healthy. Food choices will also matter to ensure the child’s growth and development.
Medically reviewed by Mary Rani Cadiz, MD · Obstetrics and Gynecology
Pregnancy weight gain is a given. With a baby on the way, additional nourishment is necessary to keep mother and child healthy. Food choices will also matter to ensure the child’s growth and development.
But when planning a safe pregnancy, a major concern for women is how to avoid unsafe weight gain during pregnancy.
Depending on their initial weight, women will gain anywhere from 25 to 35 pounds (11.5 to 16 kilograms) during pregnancy. This is generally comprised of the following:
On average, the baby in the womb represents 25% of the total weight gain; 5% can be attributed to the placenta, and 6% to the amniotic fluid.
Medical advice on pregnancy weight gain has changed from decade to decade.
In the 1950s, doctors often advised pregnant women to refrain from gaining more than 15 pounds. However, from the 1970s to the 1980s, doctors believed that this was not enough.
Poor weight gain or excessive weight loss during pregnancy can lead to women having small babies, which, in turn, results in developmental issues. Doctors then started advising women to “eat for two”.
With this recommendation, pregnant women then started gaining weight excessively. Doctors would tell their patients to just lose the additional weight after the birth of the child.
Research in the early 2000s, however, began to reveal issues related to unsafe weight gain during pregnancy.
These complications include increased incidence of the following conditions:
Increased weight gain likewise affects the health of the child, as it raises the risks of obesity, childhood diabetes, and heart defects in the baby.
Guidelines were then reviewed so that doctors could better advise women about unsafe weight gain during pregnancy. In some cases, weight loss or gain may be discussed and planned prior to the pregnancy.
When this is no longer an option, medical professionals agree on acceptable healthy limits regarding maternal weight gain.
Most women will see a weight increase of 2 to 4 pounds (1 to 2 kilograms) in the first trimester.
Afterwards, a gain of 1 pound (around half a kilogram) a week until birth is considered within reasonable boundaries.
Optimal weight gain will depend on a woman’s situation.
Doctors recommend keeping to the right calorie intake to help manage weight limits. For most pregnant women, these are:
Generally, women should maintain a balanced, nutrient-rich diet, and exercise regularly, to have a healthy pregnancy. Here are a few tips to help women avoid unsafe weight gain during pregnancy:
It would be good to remember that bouncing back to pre-pregnancy weight is easier with sensible weight gain during pregnancy.
Upon the birth of the child, around 11 pounds is immediately lost, which accounts for the baby, amniotic fluid, and the placenta. The rest of the weight may take months to lose, and even longer if weight gain is significant.
Breastfeeding can help weight loss. Breastmilk is not only the best milk for babies, it also burns around 500 calories a day and can add to a mother’s successful weight loss regimen.
Enjoy eating during pregnancy, but stay fit and healthy!
Remember, it is perfectly fine to put on extra weight, but it is important to do so in moderation! Weight gain is part of having a baby, but women should be aware of the complications that may arise due to unsafe weight gain during pregnancy.
It can be challenging to maintain these guidelines, particularly when you’re dealing with all the physical and emotional difficulties that come with pregnancy. Keep in mind that staying within the recommended range of weight gain can reduce the incidence of health problems.
Eating the right kinds of food and staying active are certainly the best ways to ensure a healthy journey for both mother and baby.
Disclaimer
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
People Are Also Reading This
Comments
Share your thoughts
Be the first to let Hello Doctor know your thoughts!
Join Us or Log In to join the discussion