The recommended weight gain for a pregnancy is between 25 to 35 lbs. But that can vary depending on what a womans pre pregnancy weight was. If she was underweight, then a weight gain of 28 to 40 lbs would be recommended. If she was overweight at the time of conception, then a gain of 15 to 25 lbs is recommended.
Many women can feel like this is a lot of weight to gain for 7 lbs baby! But it takes a lot to grow a baby! Theres extra blood, extra fluids, fat reserves, more breast tissue, the uterus enlarges, the baby has the placenta and amniotic fluid as well. All of this weighs quite a bit. But everyone will gain different amounts of all these factors.
There are some risks involved with either too little or too much weight gain. Too low of weight could be at a higher risk of a child that is small for gestational age. Too much weight and the risks of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure and macrosemia (large baby) increase.
Every woman gains pregnancy weight differently, even from pregnancy to pregnancy. Some gain it rapidly in the beginning and balance out at the end, some lose weight in the beginning due to morning sickness but gain weight later on in the pregnancy. Others have a slow and steady gain. Generally speaking, the rate at which you gain weight *should* go as follows:
- First Trimester: 1-5 lbs total
- Second Trimester: 1-2 lbs per week
- Third Trimester: 1-2 lbs per week
If you are stressing about the weight gain and feeling like it’s too much or too little, speak with your dr to see if they have any concerns. If you are eating healthy, exercising, and following your drs advice then you are doing all you can do to have a healthy pregnancy. The charts are a average recommendation but don’t stress if your off by a couple pounds.
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