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What's a Healthy Amount of Weight Gain for Pregnancy?

Every Pregnancy is Unique

Every woman is concerned about weight gain during pregnancy, and rightfully so. After all, your weight has a direct bearing on your overall health, so the amount of weight you gain during your pregnancy will also affect your baby. It's important to work with your obstetrician to determine the weight gain that is normal and healthy for you.

There is no magic number of pounds a woman should gain to help ensure a healthy pregnancy. Generally speaking, obstetricians and midwives recommend an average total weight gain of between 25 and 35 pounds, but if you begin your pregnancy either underweight or overweight, your doctor will probably suggest a different weight goal for you.

For example, during your first trimester, there is no need to put on pounds if your beginning weight is normal. As long as you are eating healthy foods, your baby is receiving the proper nutrients. During the second and third trimesters, your baby is gradually gaining weight and requiring more nutrients. Both you and your baby will need extra protein, calcium, and iron as well as other nutrients. This means the weight you gain should be nutritionally beneficial, and not due to empty calories. Adding extra pounds devoid of nutrition is detrimental to both baby and mother.

If you are unsure about what constitutes a healthy diet, consult a nutritionist, or ask your obstetrician to suggest healthy meal plans for you.

For most women, the extra calorie intake during the last two trimesters translates to about a pound every week. If you are abnormally underweight or overweight at of these stages, your doctor or midwife will advise you to make adjustments so that you maintain a healthy weight. That's because both obesity and abnormally low weight pose more health risks to you and to your baby.

Among other problems, obesity increases your chances of developing diabetes and high blood pressure when you are pregnant.

If you are underweight, your chances of having a premature birth increase.

A Pre-Conception Checkup is Important

Proper weight gain is important for you and your baby's health, but there is another important thing you can do to help ensure a successful pregnancy. Women who get pre-pregnancy counseling from a physician vastly increase their odds of having a safer pregnancy.

If you are ready to start a family, it's wise to consult a medical professional to make sure you are in the best physical health possible before you conceive. There are many factors that affect a growing fetus. A qualified obstetrician or midwife can explain everything you need to consider to facilitate a healthy pregnancy.

For example, you may:

• Have a medical condition or chronic disease that could affect your pregnancy or ability to conceive


• Be taking prescription drugs not compatible with conception or pregnancy


• Need immunizations, or particular screenings for genetic disorders


• Need dental work since pregnant women are more susceptible to periodontal disease

Runners who train for marathons understand their bodies will be called upon to endure an arduous, physically taxing feat, and they know it is to their advantage to be in the best physical condition possible before they begin. While running a marathon pales in comparison to a pregnancy, it helps to remember that during pregnancy, your body will undergo tremendous physical changes. The better prepared you are, and the better your physical condition is before you conceive, the better chance you have of a safe and healthy pregnancy.

 

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