Pregnancy is an exciting time for many women. It is the time when a woman carries a life within her. While pregnant, women tend to have increased appetite and feel like they need to eat for two.

However, eating for two does not mean that a woman should eat double her regular intake. Weight gain during pregnancy is expected, but it should be within a healthy range. So, how much weight gain during pregnancy is healthy? This article will address the issue.

Why is Weight Gain Important During Pregnancy?

Weight gain during pregnancy is necessary for the good health of both the mother and the baby. A healthy weight gain during pregnancy ensures that the baby is growing and developing properly. It also reduces the risk of complications during delivery.

Weight gain during pregnancy also ensures that the mother’s body has the necessary resources to support the growing fetus and to prepare for labor and breastfeeding.

How Much Weight Should You Expect to Gain During Pregnancy?

The amount of weight that a woman should gain during pregnancy varies depending on her pre-pregnancy weight. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the recommended weight gain during pregnancy is as follows:.

Underweight women with a body mass index (BMI) less than 18.5 should gain between 28 and 40 pounds.
Normal weight women with a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 should gain between 25 and 35 pounds.
Overweight women with a BMI between 25 and 29.9 should gain between 15 and 25 pounds
Obese women with a BMI greater than or equal to 30 should gain between 11 and 20 pounds.

What Happens if You Don’t Gain Enough Weight?

Not gaining enough weight during pregnancy can put both the mother and the baby at risk. Insufficient weight gain can result in low birth weight, which increases the risk of premature birth, developmental delays, and even death.

Women who do not gain enough weight during pregnancy are also at risk of developing complications such as anemia, premature labor, and cesarean birth.

What Happens if You Gain Too Much Weight?

Gaining too much weight during pregnancy can also put both the mother and the baby at risk. Excessive weight gain can lead to gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and preeclampsia.

It can also result in a larger baby, which can increase the risk of complications during delivery, including the need for a cesarean section. Women who gain too much weight during pregnancy are also at risk of postpartum weight retention and may have difficulty losing the excess weight after delivery.

What Can You Do if You’re Not Gaining the Recommended Amount of Weight?

If a woman is not gaining the recommended amount of weight, it is essential to speak with her healthcare provider. The provider may recommend changes to the woman’s eating habits and physical activity levels.

Adding snacks between meals, including healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can help increase calorie intake. Engaging in light to moderate exercise, such as yoga or walking, can also help increase weight gain.

What Can You Do if You’re Gaining Too Much Weight?

If a woman is gaining too much weight during pregnancy, it is also important to speak with her healthcare provider. The healthcare provider may recommend changes to the woman’s eating habits and physical activity levels.

Reducing the intake of high-calorie foods, such as sugary drinks and snacks, can help manage weight gain. Engaging in moderate exercise, such as swimming or brisk walking, can also help keep weight gain in check.

Conclusion

Weight gain during pregnancy is essential for the good health of both the mother and the baby. However, it is important to ensure that weight gain is within a healthy range.

Women should speak with their healthcare provider to determine the appropriate amount of weight gain based on their pre-pregnancy weight. Women who are not gaining the recommended amount of weight or who are gaining too much weight should speak with their healthcare provider to discuss appropriate interventions.