Even weight gain during pregnancy is very important because it is a sign of its proper development. And when the weight is not increasing or is increasing too rapidly, it may be a signal that something disturbing is happening. That is why the attending physician weighs you at each visit and records the result in the pregnancy card. It is also worth checking your weight yourself at least once a week.

In the first trimester you should gainweightnot much, only 1-2 kg. And if you experience severe nausea and vomiting, you can even lose weight (up to 2 kg). It is better not to gain weight in the first few monthspregnancytoo much, because the "acquired" weight will "go" to you, not the baby, and it will be more difficult for you to get rid of them after giving birth. The ideal weight gain in the second trimester is 5-6 kg (1.5-2 kg per month), and 4-6 kg in the last trimester. Together, this is 10-14 kg. It is precisely this weight gain that is now considered the norm with normal weight. Note: if you are expecting twins, your weight should only add to the weight of the second baby, so the recommended weight gain is 14-18 kg. As a general rule, the less a woman weighed before pregnancy, the more she should gain weight during pregnancy. So if you were very thin you should put on 13-17 kg, and if you wereoverweight , then no more than 8-10 kg. To know exactly how much you can gain, calculate your body mass index (BMI) and check the table for what weight gain would be ideal for you. It doesn't matter which baby you are expecting, the weight gain recommendations are the same for all subsequent pregnancies.

How To Calculate Pregnancy Weight Gain - Body Mass Index (BMI)?

Use the BMI Weight Calculator

Important

Where do these kilos come from?

  • child 3-4 kg
  • enlarged uterus 1 kg
  • bearing 0.5-1 kg
  • amniotic fluid 1-2 kg
  • larger breasts 1-2 kg
  • increase in the volume of blood and other body fluids 3 kg
  • the remaining kilos are adipose tissue

Mum and baby are more likely to be overweight than underweight, so it is better to put on less weight than too much.

Weight must increase during pregnancy

It's time to answer the question that appeared at the beginning: what makes up these pregnancy kilos? True, the baby weighs only 3-4 kg,but your whole body changes for him. Already at the beginning of pregnancy, your breasts begin to grow and your uterus enlarges. More blood flows in your body and there is more other body fluid. Then the placenta develops to keep the baby alive. The baby is surrounded by amniotic fluid, which protects him from injuries. A thicker layer of fat appears on your buttocks, hips and thighs - this gives you and your baby a backup source of energy. So all these changes are justified, even fat gain! After having a baby, you will lose about 6 kg immediately. You will probably get rid of the rest in the next few or a dozen months, especially if you are breastfeeding. Sometimes it will take more effort, but don't break down and worry too much. There are women who put on even 20 kg or more and regained their former shape within a year or two.

Overweight and underweight disadvantageous for the child and pregnant woman

Of course, there is no need to worry about the ideal weight and strictly stick to the norm. Deviations from it are allowed, especially since you have the right to indulge your whims during pregnancy. However, it is worth using moderation and common sense, because if the BMI is above 26 or below 19 - the risk of perinatal complications increases. Too little weight gain can cause a baby to be born with a low birth weight (less than 2,500 g), and such babies are more likely to be ill - both in infancy and later in life. It also increases the likelihood of preterm labor. On the other hand, when a pregnant woman becomes overweight, the risk of complications increases: gestational diabetes, pregnancy-induced hypertension, preterm delivery and caesarean section. A large increase in weight is also simply associated with greater discomfort (back pain, faster fatigue, swelling), and a more difficult return to the figure from before pregnancy. You need to be especially careful if you were overweight before, because the tendency to put on weight during pregnancy increases even more. Smokers who quit smoking only when they found out about their different condition gain more weight, as well as future mothers who are over 30. If you belong to any of these groups, be careful about your menu. Of course, there is no question of losing weight now, but eat wisely, avoiding empty calories, and try to exercise - walk a lot, exercise (if there are no contraindications). It has not been shown that if a woman gets a lot of weight during pregnancy, she will give birth to a child with a high birth weight (over 4 kg). The size of the newborn is primarily determined bygenetically.

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Pregnancy