Pregnancy Weight Management.

I'm in good shape; I exercise regularly and my weight is about where it should be. How much weight should I gain during my pregnancy?
Normal weight gain during pregnancy is 25 to 35 pounds (11.25 to 15kg). This may sound like a lot, but if you add up weight for the baby, placenta, amniotic fluid and changes in you, it really isn't that much.

How am I supposed to watch my weight gain and still eat 300 to 800 calories more a day?
Not every woman needs to increase her food intake by 300 to 800 calories; that's just a general guideline. Look at your individual case. If you're underweight when you begin pregnancy, you may have to eat more than 800 extra calories each day. If you're overweight when you get pregnant, you may have less need for extra calories.

The key to good nutrition and weight management is to eat a balanced diet throughout your entire pregnancy. Eat the foods you need to help your baby grow and develop, but choose wisely. For example, if you're overweight, avoid peanut butter and other nuts as a protein source; choose water-packed tuna or lowfat cheeses instead. If you're underweight, select ice cream and milkshakes as sources of dairy foods.

I have such a fear of getting fat during pregnancy, I know it's going to cause me a lot of problems. What can I do about it?
You must be prepared to gain weight while you're pregnant. It is a normal part of pregnancy, and it is necessary for your baby's health] Getting on the scale and seeing your weight increase can be hard for some women, especially those who have to watch their weight closely. You must decide at the beginning of your pregnancy that it's all right to gain weight it's for the health of your baby. You can control your weight gain by eating carefully and nutritiously. You don't have to gain an extra 50 pounds, but you must gain enough weight to meet the needs of pregnancy.

When my mother was pregnant with me, she was allowed to gain just 13 pounds (5.85kg) for her entire pregnancy. Was that normal 30 years ago?
Yes, it was fairly normal then. We realize today that it is permissible and advisable for a woman to gain a sufficient amount of weight during pregnancy. Today the normal weight gain during pregnancy (25 to 35 pounds; 11.25 to 15.75kg) is quite a change from 13 pounds (5.85kg)!

I'm pregnant and know I'm underweight. How much should I gain during my pregnancy?
If you start your pregnancy underweight, the normal weight gain is 28 to 40 pounds (12.6 to 18kg). It's important for you to eat regularly and nutritiously, even if you are not used to doing this.

Can an eating disorder affect pregnancy?
If you believe you have an eating disorder, try to deal with it before you get pregnant! Problems associated with an eating disorder during pregnancy include the following:

not enough weight gain during pregnancy
a low birthweight baby
increased chance of fetal death
low 5-minute Apgar scores
intrauterine-growth restriction
baby in breech presentation
high blood pressure in mother-to-be
birth defects
higher rate of substance abuse in mother-to-be
decreased plasma volume and electrolyte problems in mother-to-be

I'm overweight, and I just found out I'm pregnant. How much weight should I gain while I'm pregnant?
If you're overweight before pregnancy, you probably should not gain as much as other women during your pregnancy. Acceptable weight gain is 15 to 25 pounds (6.75 to 11.25kg). Try to gain this weight slowly. Aim for a weight gain of 2 to 4 pounds (0.9 to 1.8kg) the 1st trimester, 5 to 7 pounds (2.25 to 3.15kg) the 2nd trimester and 8 to 14 pounds (3.6 to 6.3kg) the 3rd trimester.
This is an individual situation to discuss with your doctor. It is important for you to eat nutritious, well-balanced meals during your pregnancy. Do not diet.

How much should I gain each week during pregnancy?
As an average for a normal-weight woman, many doctors suggest 2/3 of a pound (10 ounces; 300g) a week until 20 weeks, then 1 pound (0.45kg) a week from 20 to 40 weeks. However, this varies for each woman. If you're concerned, talk with your doctor about it.

I'm 7 weeks' pregnant and haven't gained any weight; I think I may have even lost 2 or 3 pounds. Is that OK?
It isn't unusual not to gain weight or even to lose a little weight early in pregnancy. Your doctor will keep track of your weight change during your pregnancy.

My doctor said I must get weighed each time I come in. Can't I just weigh myself at home before I come in and tell the doctor or nurse my weight?
It's best to be weighed at the office. It's one way your doctor can tell that everything is progressing normally with your pregnancy. Although you may be shy about being weighed, it's an important part of your visit to the doctor. Your healthcare team is doing it to make sure everything is OK with your pregnancy.

You say I should gain 25 to 30 pounds (11.25 to 15.7 kg) during my pregnancy. That sounds like a lot to me when the baby only weighs about 7 pounds (3.15kg). Where does all that weight go?
The weight you gain is distributed as shown in the chart below. As you can see, you lose some weight during the birth process. You often lose more weight as your body readjusts to its non pregnant state.