Advice for Overweight Moms-to-Be

The Scenario:

You've just had a prenatal visit with your doctor. Because of your prepregnancy weight the doctor has advised you to gain no more than 15 pounds during your pregnancy.
You received a few general guidelines, such as "eat a balanced diet and walk 15 minutes a day." Now you're thinking, um, "thanks" and your mind is going crazy, you need more specific advice. You're wondering what to do. You need HELP!

The Solutions:

TIP #1: Stick to your weight gain goals. Goals for total weight gain during pregnancy should be based on your pre-pregnancy weight, height, and age. The National Academy of Sciences/Institute of Medicine has issued recommendations for weight gain during pregnancy. Since every woman and every pregnancy is unique, you and your physician should discuss your specific weight gain guidelines and expectations.

Overweight women (BMI 26-29) should gain no more than 15-25 pounds during pregnancy.
Obese women (BMI greater that 29) should limit weight gain to no more that 15 pounds.

TIP #2: Keep track of your weight gain rate. Just as the amount of weight gain is important to a healthy pregnancy, so is the rate of gain. Remember, this is not the time to lose weight. Report any sudden and/or unexplained weight change to your physician immediately.

During the first trimester, limit weight gain to 0-5 pounds total.
During the 2nd and 3rd trimesters, overweight women should gain about 2/3 pound per week (18 pounds total).
During the 2nd and 3rd trimesters, obese women should gain about 1/2 pound per week (14 pounds).

TIP #3: Select one of these nutritious and caloric based food plans.

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Member Comments About this Article

	"During my first pregnancy being already overweight I didn't want to gain a lot more weight. However, I did. I ended gaining 50 pounds but as soon as I had my son within 2 months I cut half of that and even more by 4 months. This time I don't want to gain 50 pounds. I know exactly what I did wrong the last time. I made horrible food choices, and ate whatever I wanted.. This time I will still make sure I eat but I want to make much more healthier choices and exercise!!!" -- MISSCASSIE23

	"I don't agree with gaining only 15 pounds. My OB even said that was ridiculous and far fetched, and that it would only stress the mom-to-be out more. He just told me to eat healthier, exercise at LEAST 15 minutes a day with light aerobics like swimming or walking, and do NOT count calories. I gained 39 lb and it was all gone in 2 weeks while I haven't even been able to exercise. I'm 4.5 weeks pp and I'm already below my starting pre-pregnancy weight. =]" -- MERSADYSW

	"My ob gyn told me NOT to count calories as part of eating healthy. He said to just make healthier food choices, exercise, and do NOT cut calories. All 4 of my children were perfectly healthy, and I was able to drop the weight within a few months after birth." -- PAMJANAKES

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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.