Pregnancy Weight Gain

How Much Is Enough?

-- By Becky Hand, Licensed and Registered Dietician

Wouldn't it be great if pregnancy happened when your weight was just right? For most it doesn't work out that way. So, for the rest of us, BabyFit.com is offering this simple guide to weight gain during pregnancy.

During pregnancy it is important to "baby your baby and your body" with nourishing foods. You should not be feeling hungry much during your pregnancy. This is important because low weight gain during pregnancy can result in a low birth-weight infant. Low birth-weight infants have a greater risk of delayed development, disease development and mortality during the first few months of life.

Similarly, if you are overweight, this is NOT the time to crash diet and try to lose weight. Healthy weight gain is mandatory during your pregnancy, and prepares you for the strenuous demands of motherhood. It is also one of the indicators that your child is growing properly and getting the nutrition it needs.

Therefore, recommendations for healthy weight gain during pregnancy have been set based on your weight before you became pregnant.

Total Weight Gain General Guidelines

Body Type	Target Weight Gain
Underweight (BMI under 19.8)	28-40 Pounds
Normal weight (BMI 19.8 - 26.0)	25-35 Pounds
Overweight (BMI 26.0 - 29.0)	15-25 Pounds
Obese (BMI over 29.0)	15 Pounds

Member Comments About this Article

	"This is my third child. I'm 4'11 and weigh regularly 104 I'm in week 13 and weigh 113 but I look like I did with my first two at 5 1/2mnths. I don't know what I'm doing wrong because I eat healthy the only thing I'm really lacking in is the exercise. I'm afraid though that I will be way over weight or at least have alot of extra fat by the time this baby gets here and I dont want to have all the extra package in the end." -- CHELSKIMBLE

	"I am pregnant with my 4th baby and I have had 9 years in between the last one. I was 19 the first time and about 25 pounds over weight. I gained 21 pounds. Then I found out I ws pregnant again when he was only 4 months old. I only lost 15 at that point. I gained 17 pounds with the next one. I tried for the next two years to get pregnant with my daughter and had a miscarrage and a tubal pregnancy. When I finally got pregnant with my third, I was 40 pounds overweight. I only gained 8 pound..." -- ALISONRAY

	"I am in week 4 and have gained 8 pounds already! I am only 5 ft I usually weigh 108 to 110 and I am at 117 What should I do????" -- NITRA1221

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About The Author

Becky Hand
Becky is a registered and licensed dietitian with almost 20 years of experience. She teaches prenatal classes and counsels individuals, helping women eat right and stay fit before, during and after their pregnancies.