Weight Gain During

Pregnancy

Dr.Rafi RozanDoctor in Human Medicine (Honors)Specialist In Family Medicine (Distinction)Resident in Obstetrics & GynecologyLaparo & Cosmetic Gyn Surgery.

The amount of weight you should gain

during pregnancy depends on your pre-

pregnancy weight.

The best way to start a Pregnancy is to be at a healthy weight.

Gaining a healthy amount of weight, based on your weight before pregnancy,

will help you have a more comfortable pregnancy and delivery.

Gaining too little weight will make it hard for the baby to grow properly.

Gaining too much makes it more likely that you will have a longer labor and

more difficult delivery. It also makes it harder to return to normal weight

after the baby is born.

It is not recommended to lose weight during pregnancy.

How much weight do I need to gain?

Start with finding your BMI (Body Mass Index).

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a number

calculated from a person's weight and

height. BMI provides a reliable indicator of

body fatness for most people and is used to

screen for weight categories that may lead

to health problems.

Use the BMI formula below to help you determine

your BMI hence being able to know the recommended

amount of weight you should gain during your

pregnancy.

English BMI Formula

BMI = (Weight in Pounds / (Height in inches x Height in inches)) x 703

Metric BMI FormulaBMI = (Weight in Kilograms / (Height in Meters x Height in Meters))

Body Mass Index Classification

Classification Your BMI

Recommended Weight Gain

during total pregnancy

Underweight Below 18.5 28 to 40 pounds or 12.5 -18 kg

Normal (Healthy) 18.5 - 24.9 25 to 35 pounds or 11.5 – 16 kg

Overweight 25 - 29.9 15 to 25 pounds or 7 - 11.5 kg

Obese 30 and Above 11 to 20 pounds or 5 – 9 kg

Where does all the weight go?

You may be horrified at the thought of gaining weight and worried about

whether you can lose it after your baby is born. Remember that it took

about ten months to put it on, it will take equally long or more to take it

off sensibly. Healthy eating habits, plenty of physical activity and

breastfeeding will all help.

Not all the weight you gain during pregnancy is the baby's weight, most of

it is used by your body to nourish and support a healthy baby. The diagram

below explains how and where your baby weight is distributed.

How can I keep track of my weight during pregnancy?

Write down your weight information weekly and every

time you visit your health care provider ensure to

discuss it and plot a weight gain graph . Be sure to talk

to your health care provider if you are uncertain about

how much weight you should gain during your pregnancy.

Practice healthy eating habits and get plenty of exercise

to help you lose the weight after your baby is born and

before you get pregnant again.

Thanks!