What amount of weight gain during pregnancy can be considered to be the right amount? Everybody knows that you need to gain weight during pregnancy. In fact, putting on the extra kilos is inevitable, but how will you know if you are gaining the right amount of weight? Is it too much or is it too little? There is no hard and fast rule that can be applied to all women. How much weight gain is right for you will depend primarily on your BMI and weight before pregnancy, as well as other circumstances such as if you are pregnant with twins or if you suffer from diabetes.

In the first trimester of pregnancy you may even lose weight, often as a result of morning sickness, but that should not be a cause for concern unless the weight loss is excessive. What is more important is that from the second trimester onwards you should show a steady weight gain. This will indicate that your baby is getting the correct amount of nutrients on a regular basis.

Guidelines for Weight Gain during Pregnancy

As a rule, it is generally accepted that a weight gain between 10 and 12.5 kilograms (22 to 28 pounds) during pregnancy is adequate. However, your healthcare provider will be the best person to guide you regarding your individual requirement.

If you are overweight

You will be considered to be overweight if your BMI is between 25 and 29.9. BMI is a measure of your weight in relation to your height. However, you will still need to gain weight during pregnancy by eating a healthy diet so that you can supply the correct amount of nutrients to your baby. Dieting is not an option during pregnancy. The recommended weight gain during pregnancy for women who are overweight is usually between 7 to 11 kg (15 to 25 pounds). You have to be careful to see that you do not exceed this limit. Another point to remember is that, this weight gain should come from healthy eating and not fast foods. On an average, you should gain 0.2 to 0.3 kg (0.5 to 0.7 lb) per week from the second trimester onwards.

If you are obese

You will be considered as obese if your BMI is 30 or more. Although you are still advised to gain weight, it will be to a lesser degree – 5 to 9 kg (11 to 20 lbs). The weekly gain should be 0.2 to 0.3 kg.

If your weight is normal

If your BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9 before pregnancy, your weight is absolutely within normal limits. You should ideally gain between 11 to 16 kg (25 to 35 lbs) during pregnancy, at a rate of 0.4 to 0.5 kg (0.8 to 1 lb) per week.

If you are underweight

With BMI less than 18.5 you will be considered to be underweight. You will need to gain some extra weight during pregnancy so that your baby’s growth is adequate. A weight gain of 13 to 18 kg (28 to 40 lbs) is usually recommended, with a steady gain of 0.5 to 0.6 kg (1 to 1.3 lbs) per week being ideal.

If you are carrying twins

You will definitely need to gain more weight than normal, but it should not be double the normal amount.

You have to be careful to see that your weight gain during pregnancy is neither too much nor too little. Either can cause problems for you and your baby.

Dangers of Excessive Weight Gain during Pregnancy

• Gestational diabetes.
• Hypertension (high blood pressure).
• Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia.
• Large baby.
• Preterm delivery.
• Leg pain.
• Varicose veins.
• Latest studies suggest that babies born of obese mothers are at increased risk of developing congenital heart defects.
• Increased chances of Cesarean section.

Since it is not possible to go on a diet during pregnancy, if you do gain much more weight than recommended, you can go for simple exercises such as walking or swimming, but only after discussing with your healthcare provider. You may need to reconsider the type of food you are taking and make some diet changes.

Dangers of Less Weight Gain during Pregnancy

• Small baby with low birth weight.
• Premature baby.

A healthy diet and adequate exercise can ensure that you maintain proper weight gain throughout your pregnancy.