How early do you start gaining weight in pregnancy

Pregnancy Weight Gain: How Much Should You Gain?

Putting on weight during pregnancy is not only normal but also healthy. However, when it comes to how much and when, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, as everyone experiences pregnancy weight gain differently. Factors like your body type, your pre-pregnancy weight, whether you’re having multiples, and your general health status all play a role. Read on for more information about pregnancy weight gain and what’s healthy for you and your baby.

Where and Why Do Women Gain Weight During Pregnant?

Where do you tend to gain weight during pregnancy, you may wonder? Some but not all of your pregnancy weight gain consists of body fat around your tummy. But it is helpful to know that the average baby weighs around seven to eight pounds when born, which can be a significant portion of the average weight gain during pregnancy and contribute to your baby bump.

Besides your baby’s weight, other sources of pregnancy weight gain include:

Growing uterus (2 pounds)
Placenta (1.5 pounds)
Amniotic fluid (2 pounds)
Growing breasts (1 to 3 pounds)
Increased blood volume (3 to 4 pounds)
Increased fluid volume (2 to 3 pounds)
Extra stores of fat, protein, and other nutrients (6 to 8 pounds).

Of course, fat stores contribute to normal weight gain during pregnancy, and they play an important role. In your first trimester, you may notice some added fat in your lower abdomen, accumulating to protect and support your developing baby. After delivery, you’ll need those extra fat stores to fuel breast milk production. For the most part, however, you’ll gradually lose much of your pregnancy weight gain after your baby is born.

How Much Weight Should You Gain During Pregnancy?

Weight gain during pregnancy is ordinary, healthy, and necessary, but how much weight someone “should” gain is different for each person. Your body and situation will help you set goals for pregnancy weight gain.

Healthcare providers use a measurement known as body mass index (BMI) to determine a healthy and appropriate weight gain range for each individual, keeping pre-pregnancy weight in mind. BMI is a ratio derived by calculating your weight (in kilograms) by your height (in meters), squared. Although not perfect for every individual body, it estimates a measurement of body fat in most cases.

The general rule is that those with a lower "starting" BMI will have a greater recommended pregnancy weight gain than those with a higher starting BMI. Regardless of your pre-pregnancy BMI, the goal is to gain weight gradually, week by week.

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Recommended Weight Gain During Pregnancy

To help promote a healthy, gradual pregnancy weight gain during each trimester, you and your healthcare provider may rely on the following guidelines:

First trimester. During your first 13 weeks of pregnancy, a healthy weight gain generally ranges from no gain at all to about five pounds. It’s also possible to lose weight during these first few months, especially if you’re dealing with morning sickness. You don’t necessarily need to include any extra calories in your diet during your first trimester.
Second and third trimesters. Not all women need to add extra calories, but your provider may recommend including about 340 extra calories a day during your second trimester, and about 450 extra calories a day in your third trimester. With your baby growing steadily, it’s possible to gain between one-half and one pound each week if you started your pregnancy at a healthy weight.

The guidelines may vary depending on your BMI and other factors, such as if you’re expecting twins or multiples. It’s always best to talk to your healthcare provider before adjusting your diet during pregnancy.

Important Reminders for Healthy Pregnancy Weight Gain

A few additional points to keep in mind concerning pregnancy weight gain and calorie increases or decreases:

Listen to your body. There’s no need to force yourself to exceed your calorie intake if you’re not hungry. Instead, listen to your body, follow a healthy pregnancy nutrition plan, and discuss your calorie needs with your healthcare provider if you’re still unsure.
Don’t actively try to lose weight. Dieting while pregnant isn’t generally healthy, but still, be mindful of the foods you consume. Try to include lots of nutritious, healthy food rather than falling victim to the “eating for two” mentality that may lead to unhealthy food choices.
Talk to your healthcare provider. If you’re overweight or underweight, your healthcare provider can offer advice on proper nutrition and other ways to keep you and your baby healthy throughout your pregnancy. Your provider will consider your unique body and situation before advising how much weight you should gain during pregnancy.

Pregnancy Weight Gain Chart

To help you visualize the general recommendations above, we’ve created a pregnancy weight gain chart for singletons and twins by week. Talk to your healthcare provider about using the chart to help guide and manage your pregnancy weight gain.

Your healthcare provider will check your weight at your first prenatal care visit. You’ll also discuss your BMI and what it means for your individual pregnancy. At each visit after that, you’ll track your pregnancy weight gain together, and you can use the above chart as a general guideline.

You can also use the graph below to track your pregnancy weight gain:

Most likely, you’ll gain weight gradually, but your provider will help you along if you gain too little or too much, which could cause issues for you and/or your newborn as follows:

Women who gain too little weight during pregnancy tend to deliver smaller babies, who might suffer from specific health problems. If you fall into this category, your healthcare provider may suggest adding extra, healthy calories to your diet.
Women who gain too much weight during pregnancy risk developing health issues, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and hypertension. If you’re overweight, your provider may suggest adjusting your diet and adding light exercise to your routine.

Actively gaining or losing weight while pregnant may not be necessary, even if you start your pregnancy underweight or overweight. It’s best to consult your healthcare provider, who can offer ways to adjust your diet and daily routine.

Pregnancy Weight Gain: Week by Week

Gradual weight gain during pregnancy is ideal, and you can track your weight by weeks within individual trimesters. By doing this, you can get a general idea of how much weight you’re gaining. This article provides guidelines for weight gain within an average pregnancy (with a single baby starting at a normal BMI). If you’re having multiples or start with a lower or higher pre-pregnancy BMI, discuss your ideal weight gain with your healthcare provider and use this guide for general knowledge.

Pregnancy Weight Gain: First Trimester

Your first trimester typically includes weeks 1 to 13. Remember that during these early weeks of pregnancy, you probably won’t see steady weight gain. So, how much weight should you gain in the first trimester? Everyone is different, but the average weight gain for a normal pregnancy could be up to five pounds during the first three months—although it’s also possible to lose weight during this initial period.

Weeks 1 to 4. During your first month of pregnancy, it’s possible not even to know that you’re pregnant! You might not feel any symptoms or notice any weight gain. This has to do with the way many healthcare providers track your pregnancy, using the Last Menstrual Period (LMP) method.
- If your pregnancy starts at the beginning of your last menstrual period, then you wouldn’t have ovulated (and, therefore, conceived) until after 14 days (assuming you have a 28-day cycle).
- Because you wouldn’t be technically pregnant until week 3, it’s rare to gain any weight during your first month of pregnancy.
Weeks 5 to 8. Although your body will be going through quite a bit of change during these weeks, you still might not gain much weight. In fact, if you’re experiencing morning sickness, it’s possible to lose weight during this time.
- Hormonal changes might cause digestive issues, prompting nausea, vomiting, or specific food aversions.
  - However, these same hormones might cause your breasts to get bigger as milk-producing glands enlarge, which could contribute to some minor weight gain.
Weeks 9 to 13. If you do gain any weight in your first trimester, it’s likely to occur during these weeks as your morning sickness, and other digestive issues, may start to subside.
- Your breasts continue to get bigger due to growing milk-producing glands, so they may feel fuller or heavier.
- It’s possible to have gained up to five pounds, thanks to your growing breasts, placenta, and uterus, plus an increased volume of amniotic fluid and blood.

Pregnancy Weight Gain: Second Trimester

When do you truly start gaining weight in your pregnancy? Your second trimester, which typically includes weeks 14 to 27, is when you might begin to see that gradual weight gain. During your second trimester, you could be adding half a pound and then a pound of weight a week. As mentioned above, talk to your healthcare provider about whether you should start increasing your daily calorie intake.

Weeks 14 to 17. You may start to gain half a pound a week, up to two or three pounds in total. It’s not unusual to see more weight gain one week compared to another.
Weeks 18 to 22. During these weeks, it’s possible to see up to one pound of pregnancy weight gain per week (or up to four pounds in total). In particular, you might notice your breasts have grown one or two cup sizes. By the end of week 20 of your pregnancy, you might see up to 10 extra pounds on the scale, or more!
Weeks 23 to 27. Your baby’s development is starting to impact your weight gain, as your little one will probably hit the one-pound mark by 24 weeks! Though you may gain about four pounds in total during this period, what you put on each week may vary. You may continue to add about one pound on average.

Pregnancy Weight Gain: Third Trimester

The third trimester typically consists of weeks 28 to 40 and beyond. At this point in your pregnancy, your weight gain may start to look fairly consistent at about one pound per week. So, how much weight do you gain in the third trimester? It’s possible to gain an extra 12 pounds or so, but keep in mind that healthy weight gain is different for each person.

Weeks 28 to 31. As you settle into your third trimester, you might start to gain weight more consistently—at a rate of about one pound each week.
- This weight probably won’t include fat, though. Instead, weight gain in these weeks of pregnancy is usually from your developing baby, growing placenta, and increased fluids (amniotic and body tissue fluids).
- Weight gain could also cause aches and pain or other sensations, like tingling, numbness, or swelling in your joints, wrists, and hands. These symptoms typically subside once you deliver your baby and lose your pregnancy weight.
Weeks 32 to 35. You’re in the home stretch of your pregnancy, and you may gain about a pound a week. You don’t want to gain too much during these final weeks, especially if you had a higher pre-pregnancy BMI. Continue to work with your healthcare provider and keep an eye on your weight.
Weeks 36 to 40. During your final weeks of pregnancy, your baby is nearly fully developed. This means that you might not notice as much weight gain or even gain any at all. In fact, you may even lose a pound or two during this time!

To help you visualize your pregnancy weight gain week by week, we’ve included a general breakdown of trimester weeks in the chart below. Of course, any weight gain during pregnancy is related to your pre-pregnancy BMI and individual situation. For example, if you’re experiencing a twin pregnancy, you can expect to gain more weight. The chart below provides estimates for women with a normal pre-pregnancy BMI and expecting one baby.

Pregnancy Weight Gain Tracker

To make sure you’re gaining an appropriate amount of weight, as advised by your healthcare provider, it may help to use a tracker. You can start with our Pregnancy Weight Gain Calculator to find the ideal weight gain range for your unique pregnancy. Then, after talking to your provider, track your pregnancy weight gain week by week. This will help you understand if you’re on the right path, gaining too much or gaining too little.

Download our pregnancy weight gain tracker to help you along the way!

To know what to anticipate as your pregnancy progresses, including body changes and baby development, check out our pregnancy calendar.

How to Maintain a Healthy Weight During Pregnancy

It’s not easy to depict appropriate pregnancy weight gain in a chart or graph because everyone is different. Your pre-pregnancy BMI will impact how much weight you are advised to gain, as will other factors. Here are some general tips for maintaining a healthy weight while gaining those necessary and inevitable pounds during pregnancy.

Enjoy a healthy, varied diet. Maintaining a balanced diet during pregnancy is important to your health and the health of your baby. Include healthy carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in your daily diet, focusing on foods that offer a range of vitamins and minerals. Essential nutrients for your pregnancy include vitamins A, B, C, and D, plus calcium and iron, and, of course, folic acid.
Plan meals. When you're dealing with cravings, aches and pains, or morning sickness, it can be extra challenging to prepare healthy choices on the spot. Instead, spend some time planning and preparing meals and snacks ahead of time. Ask your partner, family, or friends to help!
Add calories little by little. If extra calories are needed, you can support gradual weight gain by increasing your calories slowly. If you’re having a single baby and start your pregnancy with a normal BMI, you may add about 340 daily calories during your second trimester. Then, add about 450 a day during your third trimester. Talk with your healthcare provider if you have any questions, are having multiples, or started with a low or high BMI.
Get moving and stay active. Exercise may be the last thing you want to do while pregnant, but it can help you maintain an appropriate weight and support gradual weight gain. Plus, exercise can help ease aches and pain, prepare your body for labor, and increase energy and mood! As a bonus, exercising now might make losing weight postpartum a little bit easier.

Talk to your healthcare provider if you notice any rapid weight gain early in your pregnancy or want to know how to slow down unhealthy pregnancy weight gain. Every individual body and pregnancy is unique, so your best source of support is your provider, who can help you navigate your individual experience.

The Bottom Line

Although gaining weight during pregnancy is normal, healthy, and expected, it’s not the easiest thing—emotionally or physically—to navigate. We hope you'll find it more manageable with the help of this guide and our pregnancy weight gain chart and tracker. A few key takeaways include the following:

Everyone is different. Most pregnancy weight gain guides, charts, and trackers are general because every pregnancy is different. Our resources function as a foundation and guide but talk with your healthcare provider to understand your personal pregnancy weight goals.
Weight gain should be gradual. Above all else, your pregnancy weight gain should be gradual and somewhat consistent. If it’s not, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider. This means you can focus less on how much you might be gaining at one time and more on your pregnancy as a whole.
Consider your BMI. Although BMI isn’t the best indicator of overall health, it’s helpful when determining your ideal pregnancy weight gain. If you have a lower pre-pregnancy BMI, your healthcare provider may advise you to gain more weight throughout your pregnancy, whereas if yours is higher, you may need to gain less.
Enjoy a varied diet and light exercise. Help maintain a healthy pregnancy weight with a balanced diet and light exercise.
Speak with your healthcare provider. Pregnancy is a long journey, and your healthcare provider is your best source of support, advice, and guidance for your unique situation.

And remember, once your little one is born, you’ll start to lose that baby weight and enjoy time with your sweet newborn! All those cuddles, baby sounds, and diaper changes will quickly distract you. Download the Pampers Club app as you prepare to stock your nursery, earning rewards after purchasing all those newborn baby essentials.

Weight Gain in First Trimester: How Much Is Normal?

Congratulations — you’re pregnant! Along with what to put on the baby registry, how to set up the nursery, and where to go for preschool (just kidding — it’s a bit too early for that!), many people want to know how much weight they can expect to gain over the next 9 months.

While the majority of the pounds will make their appearance during the second and third trimester, there’s some initial weight gain that will happen in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. In fact, on average, people gain 1 to 4 pounds in the first trimester — but it can vary. Let’s take a look at the factors involved.

“This is one of the most asked questions for patients during their much anticipated first obstetrical visit with their doctor,” says Jamie Lipeles, MD, DO, OB-GYN and founder of Marina OB/GYN.

Despite what you might have heard, you don’t gain too much weight in the first trimester, with the standard recommendation being 1 to 4 pounds. And unlike the second and third trimester (when body mass index, or BMI, may be more of a factor), Lipeles says the weight gain during the first 12 weeks is pretty much the same for all body types.

And if you’re pregnant with twins, Lipeles says the same guidelines apply to weight gain during the first trimester. However, this can change during the second and third trimesters, as twin pregnancies typically result in greater weight gain.

That said, there are occasions when your doctor may have a different recommendation for the first 12 weeks. “For patients with a BMI of more than 35, we often encourage them to maintain their weight for the entire first trimester,” says G. Thomas Ruiz, MD, OB-GYN at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center.

Spending more time tightening your pants than loosening them in the first trimester? You might be wondering if losing or maintaining your weight is a red flag.

The good news? Not gaining any weight during the first trimester doesn’t mean anything’s wrong. In fact, losing a few pounds in the first half of your pregnancy is a common occurrence (hello, morning sickness and food aversions!).

If you haven’t experienced morning sickness, consider yourself lucky. Feeling nauseous and experiencing occasional vomiting at any time of the day may cause you to maintain your weight or lose a few pounds. Fortunately, this typically subsides in the second and third trimester.

Pursing your lips at the sight of your favorite plate of scrambled eggs and bacon is also common in the first trimester. “I often joke with my patients and tell them that they might have food aversions in the first trimester, but then will overcompensate in the second and third trimester by having food cravings out of character for them outside of pregnancy,” says Lipeles.

If you’re experiencing vomiting or food aversions, make sure to share this information with your OB-GYN at your routine visits. It’s important to keep them in the loop, especially if you’re losing weight. “Weight loss means the body is in a breakdown mode and is stressed, which leads to a deficiency in nutrients,” says Felice Gersh, MD, an OB-GYN at Integrative Medical Group of Irvin, where she’s the founder and director.

“Fortunately, an embryo can still acquire the nutrients needed for its development and growth — the mom, however, can lose important lean body mass and supportive fat,” adds Gersh.

And you do need to be cautious of experiencing notable weight loss.

One of the most common causes of significant weight loss is hyperemesis gravidarum, which is the most severe form of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. This occurs in about 3 percent of pregnancies and typically requires treatment.

One of the perks of being pregnant is being able to ditch the diet mentality more easily. (We should likely all ditch it, permanently.) That said, it’s important to be aware of your weight and how it compares to the weight gain recommendations, as gaining too much weight comes with risks to both you and baby, including:

Weight gain in baby: When mom gains weight, baby is likely to gain more than usual in the womb. This can result in a larger baby at birth.
Difficult delivery: With a significant weight gain, Lipeles says the anatomy of the birth canal is altered, yielding a more difficult and dangerous vaginal delivery.
Higher risk of gestational diabetes: Gaining too much weight, especially early on in your pregnancy, can be an early sign of gestational diabetes. If you gain more than recommended in the first trimester, Lipeles says not to be surprised if your doctor gives you a glucose test prior to the standard 27- to 29-week range.

Despite the old saying “you’re eating for two,” the first trimester isn’t the time to load up on calories. In fact, unless your doctor has told you otherwise, you should maintain your pre-pregnancy intake.

However, as your pregnancy progresses, a gradual increase in calories is recommended. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics suggests a range of 2,200 to 2,900 calories a day, depending on your BMI prior to pregnancy. This equates to the following increase per trimester (use your pre-pregnancy intake as a baseline):

First trimester: no additional calories
Second trimester: eat an additional 340 calories per day
Third trimester: eat an additional 450 calories per day

Most of us begin this journey with high hopes of eating healthily, exercising regularly, and avoiding anything with a shelf life longer than our pregnancy.

But then, life happens.

Between managing work, other children, social obligations, and all those trips to the restroom, finding the time — and energy — to maintain your pre-pregnancy exercise schedule or whip up a celebrity-inspired meal is sometimes a real challenge. The good news? You don’t have to get it right every day to grow a healthy human being.

So, what should you aim for? If you’re up for it, keep doing what you were doing before getting pregnant, as long as it doesn’t involve hanging upside down from a trapeze bar. Physical activities that are excellent choices during the first trimester include:

walking
swimming
jogging
indoor cycling
resistance training
yoga

Set a goal to exercise most days of the week, or at least 150 minutes each week. The important thing is to stick to what you know. This is not the time to take up marathon training, especially if you’ve never run before.

As far as nutrition, aim to eat a balanced diet with a variety of foods. This includes:

whole grains
fruit
vegetables
lean protein
healthy fats
low fat dairy products like milk and yogurt

Since your body doesn’t require additional calories during the first trimester, eating as you usually would — provided it’s nutritious — is the goal.

While no two pregnancies are the same, there are some general guidelines to follow when it comes to gaining weight throughout all three trimesters. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), along with the Institute of Medicine (IOM), categorizes weight gain based on your weight at your first appointment.

In general, the range for all 9 months is anywhere between 11 and 40 pounds. Those with more weight or obesity may need to gain less, whereas those with less weight may need to gain more. More specifically, the ACOG and IOM recommend the following ranges:

BMI less than 18.5: approximately 28–40 pounds
BMI of 18. 5–24.9: approximately 25–35 pounds
BMI of 25–29.9: approximately 15–25 pounds
BMI 30 and greater: approximately 11–20 pounds

For twin pregnancies, the IOM recommends a total weight gain of 37 to 54 pounds.

To get a better idea of how many people stay within this range, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) analyzed data from several studies. It found that 21 percent gained less than the recommended amount of weight, whereas 47 percent gained more than the recommended amount.

Ideally, you’ll find a doctor you can trust to answer some seriously awkward questions. But even if this is your first go-around with your OB-GYN, leaning on them for knowledge and support is key to easing anxiety during pregnancy.

Since weight measurements are a part of every prenatal visit, each appointment is an opportunity to address any questions or concerns, especially since your OB is tracking a number of things, including weight changes.

Weight during pregnancy. What increase is considered optimal?

Why is excessive weight gain during pregnancy particularly harmful? What should be the calorie content of the diet? How to build your diet so that you can eat varied (and tasty), but at the same time not gain too much? Let's figure it out.

What makes up weight gain during pregnancy?

An increase in the subcutaneous fat layer during pregnancy is a normal and natural process.

While the baby is growing inside you, he needs energy and external protection. But during pregnancy, weight increases not only and not so much due to the adipose tissue of the mother: there is more fluid in the body, the uterus grows, the fetus and placenta develop, and the breasts increase in preparation for the feeding process.

Interestingly, weight loss during the period of toxicosis can later provoke its increase: the body will try to regain what was lost.

Expectant mothers especially actively gain weight in the second trimester and the beginning of the third, but closer to childbirth, a pregnant woman can even lose 1-2 kilograms. nine0004

As long as the weight increases more or less evenly and does not go beyond the upper limit of the norm, there is nothing to worry about. But if your weight is rapidly going up, you should be wary.

How to correctly calculate the weight, and what increase is considered optimal?

In Russian obstetric practice, it is generally accepted that the total gain should not exceed 12 kg. for the entire pregnancy. Of these 12 kg. 5-6 accounts for the fetus, placenta, amniotic fluid, another 1.5-2 - for an increase in the uterus and mammary glands, and only 3-3.5 - for the fat mass of a woman. nine0004

But this is a general indicator, a kind of "average temperature in the hospital." The optimal increase is calculated individually and depends on the initial weight of the pregnant woman, her age, the number of fetuses and the size of the child (children), physical activity.

WHO recommends that optimal weight gain be calculated based on Body Mass Index (BMI).

It is determined by the formula: body weight (kg) / height squared (m).

BMI	Recommended weight gain
19.8-26 (normal body weight)	12.5-15 kg
26.1-29 (overweight)	11.5 - 14 kg
over 29 (obese)	7-9 kg

How to calculate the optimal weight gain?

To do this, use the following chart:

Calculate your BMI: divide your initial weight in kg. for height in meters squared. nine0072

For example, your "pre-pregnancy" weight was 60 kg with a height of 170 cm.

BMI = 60: (170 x 170) = 20.76.

A BMI of less than 18.5 indicates underweight. Indicators from 18.5 to 25 are within the norm, from 25 to 30 are above the norm, and a figure greater than 30 indicates obesity.
Now that you know your BMI, find the optimal weekly increase in the table and compare it with yours.

nine0033 Underweight before pregnancy (BMI less than 18.5) nine0039

Week of pregnancy	Normal pre-pregnancy weight (BMI 18.5 to 24.9)	Overweight before pregnancy (BMI over 30)
4	0-0.9 kg	0-0.7 kg	0-0.5 kg
6	0-1.4 kg	0-1 kg	0-0.6 kg
8	0-1.6 kg	0-1.2 kg	0-0.7 kg
10	0-1.8 kg	0-1.3 kg	0-0.8 kg
12	0-2 kg	0-1.5 kg	0-1 kg
14	0.5-2.7 kg	0.5-2 kg	0.5-1.2 kg
16	up to 3.6 kg	up to 3 kg	up to 1. 4 kg
18	up to 4.6 kg	up to 4 kg	up to 2.3 kg
20	up to 6 kg	up to 5.9 kg	up to 2.9 kg
22	up to 7.2 kg	up to 7 kg	up to 3.4 kg
24	up to 8.6 kg	up to 8.5 kg	up to 3.9 kg
26	up to 10 kg	up to 10 kg	up to 5 kg
28	up to 13 kg	up to 11 kg	up to 5.4 kg
30	up to 14 kg	up to 12 kg	up to 5.9 kg
32	up to 15 kg	up to 13 kg	up to 6.4 kg
34	up to 16 kg	up to 14 kg	up to 7.3 kg
36	up to 17 kg	up to 15 kg	up to 7.9 kg
38	up to 18 kg	up to 16 kg	up to 8. 6 kg
40	up to 18 kg	up to 16 kg	up to 9.1 kg

Recently, doctors are increasingly talking about an individual approach and urge not to panic if the increase is slightly beyond the normal range. When assessing the state of health of a pregnant woman, the doctor focuses not only on weight, but also takes into account the results of tests and examinations and other important indicators.

Why is excessive weight gain dangerous?

Gaining extra pounds can lead to gestational diabetes, hypertension, preeclampsia, or cause a caesarean section.

In addition, excessive weight gain during pregnancy may increase the risk of obesity and associated cardiovascular disease.

What can I do to keep my weight within normal limits during pregnancy?

First of all, consult a nutritionist. If there is no such doctor in the antenatal clinic, it makes sense to contact a specialist on a commercial basis. He will develop an individual diet, which will contain all the useful elements, and will offer to keep a food diary. It will also tell you how to eat right and weigh yourself. nine0003 To prevent excessive weight gain during pregnancy, it is enough to follow simple rules of a healthy diet:

Eat often and in small portions;
Always keep a “healthy snack” on hand: fresh apple wedges, unsweetened crackers, dried fruit, or sugar-free yogurt;
Refuse soda, chips, sausages and sausages;
Minimize sweets;
Avoid fast food;
Limit the use of condiments, especially salt, which retains water in the body; nine0072
Choose steamed dishes;
Eat more fiber-rich foods such as whole grain bread, bran, vegetables;

The diet of a pregnant woman should be varied. Include grains, vegetables, fruits, dairy products, meat and fish, legumes, or nuts.

It must be remembered that expectant mothers should never starve and adhere to extreme diets.

How many calories per day do you need during pregnancy? nine0006

It is difficult to calculate the energy value per day on your own, and then strictly adhere to a certain number of calories, and it is not necessary, unless it is recommended by a nutritionist or endocrinologist. On average, you can aim for 2000-2500 calories per day, but it is important to understand that the need for calories depends on many factors: age, initial weight, health status and level of physical activity.

When should I be on the alert?

Strictly speaking, it is better for a pregnant woman not to worry and entrust her condition to a doctor who will control the development of pregnancy, analyzes and monitor weight. It is important to take tests to determine the level of fasting blood glucose once a trimester. The appearance of glucosuria, an increase in fasting blood glucose (more than 5.5 mmol / l) or an hour after a meal (more than 7.7 mmol / l) indicate the possible development of "diabetes in pregnancy", in connection with which the doctor will prescribe appropriate treatment . In addition, a sharp increase in body weight can cause preeclampsia. nine0004

These and other diseases can be dangerous, which is why you need to carefully monitor the body weight during the gestation period, but remember that pregnancy is not the time for strict diets.

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Weight category - articles from the specialists of the clinic "Mother and Child"

— What norms of weight gain during pregnancy are doctors guided by today?

- The average increase for all nine months is from 9 to 14 kg. The exact figure depends on many factors, but a sharp deviation in one direction or the other from the norm should be alarming. To calculate the allowable increase, the initial weight of the expectant mother should be taken into account: for example, women of a fragile physique (asthenic type) must gain more than initially obese women. In addition, it is important to consider the trimester of pregnancy. nine0004

— How does weight change in different trimesters?

- Weight gain throughout pregnancy is uneven: at the very beginning it is almost imperceptible, increases significantly towards the middle and may begin to decrease two weeks before delivery. In the first trimester, both weight gain and weight loss are considered normal. On average, during this period, the expectant mother is gaining from 1.5 to 2.5 kg. In the second trimester, the baby begins to grow actively and the numbers will be different: about 500 g per week for thin women, no more than 450 g for pregnant women with normal weight and no more than 300 g for full ones. In the third trimester, the weight of the expectant mother should not increase by more than 300 g per week.

— Why do pregnant women gain weight?

- Contrary to popular belief, weight gain is not only due to the mass of a growing baby and body fat - they make up about half of the total figure. For nine months, a woman's uterus increases, the volume of circulating blood and intercellular fluid increases, amniotic fluid and the placenta form.

— Why is excess weight dangerous?

- Rapid weight gain is common in multiple pregnancies, underweight women and too young mothers whose bodies are still developing. Often it is the result of normal overeating and requires adjustment of the diet. Diets and fasting days (especially the so-called "hungry") during the period of bearing a child are strictly prohibited even if the pregnant woman is overweight. It is very important to ensure that the baby receives all the nutrients, vitamins and trace elements, so you just need to balance your diet accordingly.