Women who gain too little are at increased risk of the following:
· Low birth weight baby
· Nutrition deficiencies
· Calcium loss in teeth and bones
· Premature birth
·Stretch marks (loss of elasticity of skin)
Women who gain too much weight are at increased risk of the following:
· Large baby
· Diabetes
· High blood pressure
· Varicose veins
·Stretch marks (excessive stress on the skin)
Healthy weight gain should be done with healthy foods and increased protein. Most women gain four to six pounds in the first trimester and then about a pound a week during the remainder of the pregnancy. Some women will have a jump in weight when the baby has a growth spurt.
Suggested weight gain guidelines:
· Normal weight at beginning of pregnancy-25 to 37 pounds
· Underweight at beginning of pregnancy-28 to 43 pounds (depending on number of pounds under normal weight)
· Overweight at beginning of pregnancy-16 to 28 pounds
· Carrying twins-35 to 47 pounds
Weight loss should never be attempted during pregnancy due to the risks to the baby and also possibly the mother. Most women who are overweight who change to a healthier diet for the health of the baby find that they can eat enough to keep the baby and herself healthy without gaining excessive weight.
Weight gain is distributed in an increase in blood volume, breast size (preparing to lactate), womb, placenta, amniotic fluid, fat and other nutrients, water retention, and the weight of the baby. The extra fluids are essential to prevent shock at the time of delivery with volume of fluid and blood loss that naturally occurs. The fluids help ease the stress on the body, just like the extra water weight before menstruation eases the impact on the body during the monthly loss of blood.
Weight gain may not be consistent but should average within in the suggested guidelines. Eating a healthy diet increases the chances of a healthy pregnancy, delivery, and birth.
