Weight gain during pregnancy

The weight gain of every expectant mother varies. The ideal total weight gain should be 10 – 12.5kg. You may put on more or less weight. The distribution of weight gain is as follows: Blood, extra fluid 22% Uterus, breasts 20% Amniotic fluid 11% Placenta 9% Baby 38%

Most women do not gain much weight in the first three months. However your weight may increase tremendously during the second tree month. Weight gain slows down to about 1 kg per month during the last three months. Your weight gain : 10 weeks (0.65kg) 20 weeks (4.0kg) 30 weeks (8.5kg) 40 weeks (12.5kg)

Managing Your Weight

If you are underweight at conception, it may be due to an inherent lean body build, illness or poor food habits. If the cause is illness or poor food habits, it is important for you to establish a good diet now as your body nutrient stores may be low. Your total weight gain should be a gain which brings you up to your desirable weight and an additional 10 – 12.5kg.

If you are overweight at conception, you may be at increased risk for hypertension and gestational diabetes. However, pregnancy is not a time for “dieting”. Stick to a healthy, balanced meal plan instead of indulging yourself in foods high in fat and/or sugar. Your total weight gain should be about 9 kg.

If you are healthy weight at conception, do not use pregnancy as an excuse for overeating. You should be eating for two but remember you do not need to eat double quantity at every meal in order to benefit “two”. Quality is more important than quantity.

Eat nutritious food rather than “junk food” to get energy (calories). Eating the right amount of nutritious food will help you to prevent excessive weight gain.