What you eat and how much of it is more important than ever while you are pregnant. The amount of weight you gain during your pregnancy is as essential to your health as it is to the health of your baby. While you’re pregnant, you should work closely with your doctor to make sure you keep your pregnancy weight on target. Show
Not gaining enough weight can jeopardize your baby’s growth and development. Gaining too much weight can cause complications during your pregnancy and make it difficult for you to lose the extra pounds after your delivery. “Eating for two” doesn’t mean you should double-up on the food you consume. If you are a healthy weight before your pregnancy, you only need to eat an average of an extra 300 calories a day during your pregnancy — that’s a glass of skim milk and half a sandwich. Eat a nutritious, well-rounded diet. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, pregnant women should have three cups of dairy, 5-6.5 ounces of protein, 1 ½-2 cups of fruits, 2 ½-3 cups of vegetables, and 6-8 ounces of whole grains every day. How Much You Should GainThe amount of weight you need to gain during your pregnancy depends on a number of different factors, including if you are having twins or multiples, your pre-pregnancy weight, your body mass index (BMI), and your and your baby’s overall health. Pregnancy Weight Guidelines
Putting on weight during pregnancy is not only normal but also healthy. However, when it comes to how much and when, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, as everyone experiences pregnancy weight gain differently. Factors like your body type, your pre-pregnancy weight, whether you’re having multiples, and your general health status all play a role. Read on for more information about pregnancy weight gain and what’s healthy for you and your baby. Where and Why Do Women Gain Weight During Pregnant?Where do you tend to gain weight during pregnancy, you may wonder? Some but not all of your pregnancy weight gain consists of body fat around your tummy. But it is helpful to know that the average baby weighs around seven to eight pounds when born, which can be a significant portion of the average weight gain during pregnancy and contribute to your baby bump. Besides your baby’s weight, other sources of pregnancy weight gain include:
Of course, fat stores contribute to normal weight gain during pregnancy, and they play an important role. In your first trimester, you may notice some added fat in your lower abdomen, accumulating to protect and support your developing baby. After delivery, you’ll need those extra fat stores to fuel breast milk production. For the most part, however, you’ll gradually lose much of your pregnancy weight gain after your baby is born. How Much Weight Should You Gain During Pregnancy?Weight gain during pregnancy is ordinary, healthy, and necessary, but how much weight someone “should” gain is different for each person. Your body and situation will help you set goals for pregnancy weight gain. Healthcare providers use a measurement known as body mass index (BMI) to determine a healthy and appropriate weight gain range for each individual, keeping pre-pregnancy weight in mind. BMI is a ratio derived by calculating your weight (in kilograms) by your height (in meters), squared. Although not perfect for every individual body, it estimates a measurement of body fat in most cases. The general rule is that those with a lower "starting" BMI will have a greater recommended pregnancy weight gain than those with a higher starting BMI. Regardless of your pre-pregnancy BMI, the goal is to gain weight gradually, week by week. Recommended Weight Gain During PregnancyTo help promote a healthy, gradual pregnancy weight gain during each trimester, you and your healthcare provider may rely on the following guidelines:
The guidelines may vary depending on your BMI and other factors, such as if you’re expecting twins or multiples. It’s always best to talk to your healthcare provider before adjusting your diet during pregnancy. Important Reminders for Healthy Pregnancy Weight GainA few additional points to keep in mind concerning pregnancy weight gain and calorie increases or decreases:
Pregnancy Weight Gain ChartTo help you visualize the general recommendations above, we’ve created a pregnancy weight gain chart for singletons and twins by week. Talk to your healthcare provider about using the chart to help guide and manage your pregnancy weight gain. Your healthcare provider will check your weight at your first prenatal care visit. You’ll also discuss your BMI and what it means for your individual pregnancy. At each visit after that, you’ll track your pregnancy weight gain together, and you can use the above chart as a general guideline. You can also use the graph below to track your pregnancy weight gain: Most likely, you’ll gain weight gradually, but your provider will help you along if you gain too little or too much, which could cause issues for you and/or your newborn as follows:
Actively gaining or losing weight while pregnant may not be necessary, even if you start your pregnancy underweight or overweight. It’s best to consult your healthcare provider, who can offer ways to adjust your diet and daily routine. Pregnancy Weight Gain: Week by WeekGradual weight gain during pregnancy is ideal, and you can track your weight by weeks within individual trimesters. By doing this, you can get a general idea of how much weight you’re gaining. This article provides guidelines for weight gain within an average pregnancy (with a single baby starting at a normal BMI). If you’re having multiples or start with a lower or higher pre-pregnancy BMI, discuss your ideal weight gain with your healthcare provider and use this guide for general knowledge. Pregnancy Weight Gain: First TrimesterYour first trimester typically includes weeks 1 to 13. Remember that during these early weeks of pregnancy, you probably won’t see steady weight gain. So, how much weight should you gain in the first trimester? Everyone is different, but the average weight gain for a normal pregnancy could be up to five pounds during the first three months—although it’s also possible to lose weight during this initial period.
Pregnancy Weight Gain: Second TrimesterWhen do you truly start gaining weight in your pregnancy? Your second trimester, which typically includes weeks 14 to 27, is when you might begin to see that gradual weight gain. During your second trimester, you could be adding half a pound and then a pound of weight a week. As mentioned above, talk to your healthcare provider about whether you should start increasing your daily calorie intake.
Pregnancy Weight Gain: Third TrimesterThe third trimester typically consists of weeks 28 to 40 and beyond. At this point in your pregnancy, your weight gain may start to look fairly consistent at about one pound per week. So, how much weight do you gain in the third trimester? It’s possible to gain an extra 12 pounds or so, but keep in mind that healthy weight gain is different for each person.
To help you visualize your pregnancy weight gain week by week, we’ve included a general breakdown of trimester weeks in the chart below. Of course, any weight gain during pregnancy is related to your pre-pregnancy BMI and individual situation. For example, if you’re experiencing a twin pregnancy, you can expect to gain more weight. The chart below provides estimates for women with a normal pre-pregnancy BMI and expecting one baby. Pregnancy Weight Gain TrackerTo make sure you’re gaining an appropriate amount of weight, as advised by your healthcare provider, it may help to use a tracker. You can start with our Pregnancy Weight Gain Calculator to find the ideal weight gain range for your unique pregnancy. Then, after talking to your provider, track your pregnancy weight gain week by week. This will help you understand if you’re on the right path, gaining too much or gaining too little. Download our pregnancy weight gain tracker to help you along the way! To know what to anticipate as your pregnancy progresses, including body changes and baby development, check out our pregnancy calendar. How to Maintain a Healthy Weight During PregnancyIt’s not easy to depict appropriate pregnancy weight gain in a chart or graph because everyone is different. Your pre-pregnancy BMI will impact how much weight you are advised to gain, as will other factors. Here are some general tips for maintaining a healthy weight while gaining those necessary and inevitable pounds during pregnancy.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you notice any rapid weight gain early in your pregnancy or want to know how to slow down unhealthy pregnancy weight gain. Every individual body and pregnancy is unique, so your best source of support is your provider, who can help you navigate your individual experience. The Bottom LineAlthough gaining weight during pregnancy is normal, healthy, and expected, it’s not the easiest thing—emotionally or physically—to navigate. We hope you'll find it more manageable with the help of this guide and our pregnancy weight gain chart and tracker. A few key takeaways include the following:
And remember, once your little one is born, you’ll start to lose that baby weight and enjoy time with your sweet newborn! All those cuddles, baby sounds, and diaper changes will quickly distract you. Download the Pampers Club app as you prepare to stock your nursery, earning rewards after purchasing all those newborn baby essentials. How much weight should you have gained by 29 weeks?At 29 weeks pregnant, your total pregnancy weight gain at this point should be between 19 and 25 pounds (8.6 to 11.3 kg). The top of your uterus can be felt somewhere between 3 ½ to 4 inches (8.9 to 10 cm) above your belly button.
How many pounds should you gain by 30 weeks pregnant?Pregnancy weight gain by week. How much weight should I have gained by week 27 of pregnancy?Healthy weight gain at 27 weeks pregnant is around 15 to 30 pounds. If you've gained more quickly than recommended—two or more pounds per week—your OB may tell you to slow it down a bit. Sounds rough, but they can give you some tips on keeping the weight gain under control.
How much should I be eating at 28 weeks pregnant?Healthy pregnancy diet
There's no need to eat for 2. Now you're in the 3rd trimester, you may need an extra 200 calories a day, but that's not much. It's about the same as 2 slices of wholemeal toast and margarine. Try and eat healthily with plenty of fresh fruit and veg, and avoid processed, fatty and salty foods.
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