How Much Weight Should I Gain During Pregnancy
Whether you want to admit it or not, you will gain weight during pregnancy. It is necessary for your baby’s growth and development. But just how much weight you gain is going to be a factor in how easy it will be to take the pounds off after the baby is born.
One size does not fit all
How much weight you need to gain will be up to you and your doctor. There are some general guidelines to follow.
* If you are somewhat underweight, your total recommended weight gain should be about 28-40 pounds.
* If you fall into the normal weight category, your recommended weight gain should be about 25-35 pounds.
* If you are somewhat overweight your weight gain may fall into the 15-25 pound range
* If you are obese, your range of weight gain will be about 15 pounds
If you are pregnant with more than one child, your weight gain will be more
Gaining the weight
For those of us that suffer from morning sickness it is a good thing to know that not much weight needs to be gained during the first trimester. If you are starting out at healthy weight, your calorie intake should increase by 150- 200 calories. That doesn’t necessarily mean potato chip and candy bar calories. It means healthy calories from fruit, veggies, and dairy products such as low fat yogurt.
Being underweight
If you started out your pregnancy underweight, your daily calorie intake may need to be increased 300-500 calories. You will need the extra weight to prevent your baby from being born earlier or even smaller than the due date.
Being overweight
Being overweight before your pregnancy can bring on some health issues. Issues such as high blood pressure or gestational diabetes. But going on a diet now is not an option. You will need to gain a little extra weight or your body may start to break down its own storage of fat and create substances called ketones, which is very harmful to the baby.
Accounting for the extra pounds
For example, if your baby should weigh around 7-8 pounds, below is where the rest of the weight comes from.
* Baby = 7-8 pounds
* Increased breast size = 1-3 pounds
* Increase is uterus = 2 pounds
* Placenta = 1-2 pounds
* Fluid surrounding baby = 2 pounds
* Increase in blood supply = 3- pounds
* Fluid build up = 2-3 pounds
* Storage of fat = 6-8 pounds
Making a total of 24-32 pounds weight gain
The main point here is that weight gain is inevitable. And so it is important that you keep open communication with your doctor. He or she will be the guide to help you monitor your weight, whether it is for gaining the weight or for cutting back if need be. Good luck.
