How Much Weight Should I Gain During Pregnancy?
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Most women wonder, if not concerned, about how much weight they will gain during pregnancy. Although no one can foresee how much weight you will gain, doctors have agreed upon a range of healthy weight gain. Although it has fluctuated all over the map (when my grandmother had her four babies, she was only allowed to gain 20 pounds, and she is a rail-thin, 5’2” woman to this day), doctors now recommend gaining 25-35 pounds during pregnancy. It is important to note however, that this is for the average healthy woman. A considerably underweight and overweight woman will likely receive different instructions from her doctor.
If you’re wondering where all of these pounds are going to appear, resources agree that the weight is spread—on average—according to the following:
- Baby: 7 to 8 pounds
- Larger breasts: 1 to 3 pounds
- Larger uterus: 2 pounds
- Placenta: 1 1/2 pounds
- Amniotic fluid: 2 pounds
- Increased blood volume: 3 to 4 pounds
- Increased fluid volume: 2 to 3 pounds
- Fat stores: 6 to 8 pounds
Doctors also seem to agree that what may be more important than the number of pounds you gain is the consistency with which you gain them. Suggested to be the healthiest for you and your baby is low weight gain in the first trimester and steady weight gain in the second and third trimesters.
To achieve a healthful amount of weight gain during pregnancy, doctors suggest adding a mere 300 calories to your diet each day. Paying attention to the nutritional information on things you eat will help you in this pursuit.
More information on pregnancy and weight gain can be found on Babies Online
References:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pregnancy-weight-gain/PR00111
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