Pregnancy is characterized by weight gain. The weight gained by the female during pregnancy is directly proportional to both baby’s and mother’s health. Therefore, it is important to know how much weight gain is normal during each trimester. Body mass index (BMI) is an important tool to check any excessive gain in weight during pregnancy.
Body mass index (BMI)
BMI is defined as the measurement of body fat based on the weight and height of an average adult individual. BMI is vital to determine whether a person is underweight, normal or overweight/obese. On the basis of the BMI value, the pregnant woman is recommended a healthy diet to maintain a normal weight.
Pregnancy and weight gain
Based on the BMI, a woman normally gains around 12 kg weight during pregnancy. This increase may vary between 8 kg and 16 kg. This weight gain not only comprises 2 kg to 3.5 kg of baby’s weight, but also includes the weight of:
- Amniotic fluid: 4 kg to 5.8 kg
- Placenta: 0.5 kg
- Uterus: 0.5 kg to 1.0 kg
- Breast enlargement: 0.5 kg to 1.4 kg
- Increased blood volume: 1 kg to 1.8 kg
- Fat stores: 1 kg to 3.6 kg
How much weight gain is considered normal during pregnancy?
Optimal amount of weight gain based on her present BMI is important during pregnancy.Ideally, a woman should gain around 2 kg to 3 kg during the first trimester because the baby is small. As the baby starts growing during the second trimester, around 6 kg of weight gain may occur. Following this, there is 0.5 kg of weight gain every week, until the baby is born. However, depending upon the body type, the demographics, and social status the weight gained during pregnancy is different for different women.
The following table depicts the weight gain chart as per the BMI of a pregnant woman:
| Early pregnancy BMI (< 10 weeks) | Overall pregnancy weight gain range |
| Underweight < 18.5 | 12.5kg to 18kg |
| Normal weight 18.5 to 24.9 | 11.5kg to 16kg |
| Overweight 25.0 to 29.9 | 7kg to11.5kg |
| Obese >30.0 | 5kg to 9kg |
The weight gain in case of twins varies between 16 kg to 24 kg.
Being either underweight or overweight can pose risk to the growing baby’s health. Underweight pregnant women have more risk of having a premature baby. Overweight women may suffer from diseases, such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Also, these women may need to undergo caesarean section and the baby born may have birth defects. Overweight or obese women may also develop stretch marks after delivery.
Maintaining right amount of weight during pregnancy
Regularly weighing yourself is the best way to monitor any gain in weight. However, while weighing, the woman should follow the following rules:
- Use the same scale everyday
- Wear minimal clothes
- Weigh at the same time of day
Apart from weighing yourself regularly, a well-balanced healthy diet of not more than 2500 calories should be consumed every day. In case of twins 3000 to 3500 calorie intake every day is recommended.
Other measures to prevent abnormal weight gain during pregnancy may include:
- Avoiding milk and milk products
- Avoiding intake of excessive fast food
- Avoiding carbonated drinks
- Limiting the amount of salt in diet
- Cooking food in a healthy way
- Exercising regularly and modifying the activities with every trimester
CLICK HERE FOR BEST GYNECOLOGIST IN DELHI
Visiting the health care provider
A pregnant woman should always visit the health care provider if there is any unusual gain in weight, which may lead to complications. Also, the physician should educate the woman about the average weight gain that will take place during pregnancy.
Read More From Dr. Seema Sharma:
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Is it advisable?
5 Great non– dairy calcium-rich snacks for pregnant women