You may have heard that women who had a healthy weight gain during their pregnancy end up with healthy babies and no complications. That’s great news, but the fact that this is true doesn’t mean all women will gain the same amount.
It all depends on your age, height, and weight, as well as other factors like whether you had diabetes before becoming pregnant. So, how much weight gain is normal in pregnancy? Check out below.
Weight Gain During Pregnancy:
Having a healthy pregnancy that ensures the safety and well-being of the baby is every mother’s preference. There are a lot of factors that contribute to a healthy pregnancy. One of them is weight gain during pregnancy.
Healthy weight gain during pregnancy has many benefits for both mother and baby. A healthy weight gain during pregnancy is important because it can prevent back pain during labor, reduce the risk of postpartum depression, and improves the mother’s ability to breastfeed.
However, gaining a lot of weight is not recommended by health experts. Why? Because health conditions related to obesity or being overweight in pregnancy have been identified as causes of fetal distress and premature births.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only around one-third (32%) of pregnant women gain an acceptable amount of weight, and the majority gain weight outside of the recommendations.
Find Out your Ideal Weight Gain During Pregnancy in kg:
“Gestational weight gain and BMI of pregnant women are the important determinants of pregnancy outcomes, maternal and neonatal health,” says research.
What was your BMI before pregnancy?
Body mass index (BMI) is a measurement of body fat based on height and weight that is applicable to both men and women as adults.
To check how much weight gain is normal in pregnancy you must first find out your BMI before conceiving. Your BMI will determine the ideal amount of weight you should gain. BMI falls into the following categories:
| BMI | Categories |
| Less than 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5–24.9 | Normal weight |
| 25–29.9 | Overweight |
| 30 or greater | Obesity |
Need a healthy pregnancy diet plan? Click here to see an online Dietitian via Marham today!
If you are Underweight:
Women who are underweight (BMI <18.5) should gain:
- 28-40 lbs (13-18kg) with one baby
- 50-62 pounds (22-27 kg) with twins
If you have a Normal Weight:
Women in the normal weight range (BMI of 18.5-24.9) are recommended to put on:
- 25-35lbs (11-16kg) with one baby
- 37-54 lbs (16.8-24.5kg) with twins
If you are Overweight:
Women who are overweight (BMI between 25 and 29.9) should gain:
- 15-25lbs (7-11kg) with one baby
- 31-50 lbs (14.1-22.7kg) with twins
If you are Obese:
Obese women (BMI of 30 or more) are advised to gain:
- 11-20 lbs (5-9kg) with one baby
- 25-42 lbs (11.3-19.1kg) with twins
If you’re expecting triplets or more, talk to your doctor about your weight gain goals.
How many Calories should you Eat during Pregnancy?
A healthy pregnancy begins with a well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet and exercise. The recommended calorie intake for most pregnant women is:
- 1,800 calories per day during the first trimester
- 2,200 calories per day during the second trimester
- 2,400 calories per day during the third trimester
Also, read 7 Harmful Things to Avoid During Pregnancy that Cause Miscarriage
Complications of Unhealthy Weight Gain during Pregnancy:
Women who gain too much weight during pregnancy are at higher risk for delivering a baby that weighs too little or a baby that is too big for its size.
While weight gain during pregnancy is a natural process, unhealthy weight gain can lead to complications and may result in long-term consequences on both mother and child, including poor health, high infant mortality rates, and poor growth of the fetus.
Women should be aware of the risks so that they can make informed decisions about appropriate weight gain during their pregnancy.
Some complications can be:
- Low birth weight babies, put them at higher risk for health problems and developmental issues.
- Poor growth of the fetus during pregnancy is a concern because it can lead to low birth weight babies and complications during delivery.
- The mother’s health may be compromised if she gains too much weight, including sleep apnea and gestational diabetes.
Consult a Gynecologist!
If you’re pregnant, talk to your health care provider about how much weight gain is normal in pregnancy. The best way to keep track of your weight is by using a BMI calculator.
A gynecologist can help you with any query related to your pregnancy by providing expert advice.
Book an online appointment or a video consultation to see the Best Gynecologist in Pakistan today via the Marham app.
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FAQs
What trimester do you gain the most weight in?
You should gain anywhere between 25 and 35 pounds (11.5 to 16 kg) during pregnancy. During the first trimester, most women gain 1 to 2 kilograms, then 0.5 kilograms every week for the duration of the pregnancy.
How much weight do you lose giving birth?
During childbirth, most women lose roughly 5.9 kilograms, which includes the weight of the baby, placenta, and amniotic fluid. You will lose weight during the first week after birth as you shed retained fluids, but the fat deposited during pregnancy will not vanish on its own.
Is it easy to lose weight after pregnancy?
You must gradually return to your pre-pregnancy fitness level, which may take some time to restore any lost muscle mass. Muscle mass has a direct effect on metabolism, therefore you may lose weight more slowly until you rebuild your muscle mass.