Is how much weight you gain during pregnancy important?Yes! A healthy weight gain during pregnancy will help you avoid pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and cesarean delivery. Show
Determining how much weight to safely gain during pregnancy depends on your pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is a numerical value of your weight in relation to your height. It’s used to determine if an adult is at a healthy weight. The Centers for Disease Control offers a BMI calculator. Check yours so you know you’re starting point.
Your health and your baby’s health also play a role. Talk with your health care provider about what weight gain is right for your pregnancy Where does pregnancy weight go?Your baby might weigh in at 7 or 8 pounds (about 3 to 3.6 kilograms). That accounts for some of your pregnancy weight gain. What about the rest? Here’s a sample breakdown:
Putting on pounds during pregnancyA pregnant woman of normal weight, who gets less than 30 minutes of exercise a week should strive for a caloric intake of:
These calories should be attained by eating a diet of grains, dairy, protein, fruits/vegetables, and healthy fats and oils. Average Pregnancy Weight Gain Chart
On a trimester basis in a woman with normal pre-pregnancy weight:
Remember this is just an average; you and your health care provider need to decide what is best for you. Want to Know More?
Compiled using information from the following sources: Mayo Clinic: Pregnancy Weight Gain Institute of Medicine and National Research Council What accounts for weight gain in pregnancy?The placenta, the fetus and amniotic fluid account for about 35% of total weight gain during pregnancy. This weight is lost during childbirth. The rest of the weight gain is due to increased blood volume, water retention, breast tissue and uterine tissue.
What is the largest contributor to weight gain during pregnancy?Of the total weight gain, the fetus accounts for ~ 27%, amniotic fluid 6%, and the placenta 5%. Maternal tissue accretion contributes mainly with fat deposition (average 27%, although highly variable between women).
What makes up the largest portion of weight gain during pregnancy in the third trimester?A fetus usually gains the most weight during the third trimester. They will gain an average of 5 lb and grow around 4–6 inches during the third trimester, according to the OWH . In addition to the weight from the growing fetus, the body also gains weight from: the placenta.
Do you gain more weight at the end of pregnancy?You Stop Gaining Weight At the end of your pregnancy, you might begin losing weight. This is completely normal and won't affect the baby's weight. This weight loss may be due to lower levels of amniotic fluid, more bathroom breaks, and increased physical activity.
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