Pregnancy weight gain varies, but typically 25-35 pounds. Underweight women may gain up to 40 pounds, while overweight women may gain 15-25 pounds. Additional calories can be met with an extra 100-400 a day. Exercise is encouraged, but high-risk pregnancies may require caution. Don’t try to lose weight during pregnancy.
Average weight gain during pregnancy can vary from woman to woman. It is important to discuss this matter with your doctor rather than use a specific weight as a goal. Equally important is that you do not try to lose weight during pregnancy and that if you notice weight loss, you should tell your doctor.
Typical weight gain during a pregnancy will be approximately 25-35 pounds (11.34-15.88 kg). If you are underweight before you get pregnant, doctors may encourage you to gain a little more than this, perhaps up to 40 pounds. This is because in addition to adding weight to your growing baby, your body also needs to create some fat stores for nursing and the rigors of having a baby. These stores alone can account for around 5-9 pounds (2.27-4.08 kg) of total weight gain.
If you start a pregnancy overweight, a doctor may encourage a pregnancy weight gain that is less because you already have some fat stores for labor and lactation. You may be asked to keep your pregnancy weight gain between approximately 15-25 pounds (6.80-11.34 kg). It’s not always possible to keep weight gain requirements where they should be, but some mothers are mistaken in thinking they have to double their calories to meet their growing baby’s needs.
Most additional calorie requirements can be met by eating an additional 100-400 calories a day. If you already have a healthy diet, you can add an extra meal or snack to it. When you need to improve your diet, talk to your doctor about the best diet options for you that won’t leave you hungry but won’t cause you to eat more than you need.
Some women worry that it will be difficult to lose weight gained during pregnancy. It can help if you plan to breastfeed afterwards because it’s often considered one of the best and healthiest ways to shed extra pounds, and it’s healthy for your baby. The amount you earn that goes into fat storage is typically used by the rigors of new parenting and by the demand for baby food. Once you have recovered from labor, and as per your doctor’s advice, you can also start exercising again, which will help shed any excess weight.
During pregnancy, many women are encouraged to engage in at least light exercise, which can help prevent additional weight gain during pregnancy. This is fine as long as your doctor says so. Sometimes women with high-risk pregnancies are told not to start exercising until later in their pregnancy or asked to avoid strenuous exercise when they reach a certain point. Don’t make up for a lack of exercise by starving yourself. It is important that you continue to nourish your changing body with proper and healthy foods.
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