An Overview of Pregnancy Weight Gain

A growing baby bump is a wonderful thing for expectant mothers. It means the baby is growing and maturing, hopefully with the correct nutrients for healthy development. Many future mothers-to-be love the thought of consuming extra calories while pregnant, but pregnancy weight gain should be a slow and steady progression. Many women in the Plano, Frisco and Dallas, Texas area question, how much weight should I gain pregnant? The Plano obstetricians at Women’s Specialists of Plano are available to answer that question.

How Much Weight Should I Gain Pregnant?

It is important for all expectant mothers to understand there is no set amount of how much weight a woman should gain during pregnancy. The number seen on the scale is by no means an accurate judge of the baby’s health.

Our Plano obstetricians answer the question, how much weight should I gain pregnant with many soon-to-be-moms during office visits. Average healthy pregnancy weight gain varies from woman to woman based on pre-pregnancy BMI. The current recommendations include:

  • Less than 18.5 pre-pregnancy BMI- 28 to 40 pounds
  • 5 to 24.9 pre-pregnancy BMI- 25 to 35 pounds
  • 25 to 29.9 pre-pregnancy BMI- 15 to 25 pounds
  • 30 or higher pre-pregnancy BMI- 11 to 20 pounds

If a mother is carrying twins, an average amount of 10 additional pounds is to be expected.

An Average 30 Pound Pregnancy Weight Gain

On average, many women can plan on gaining around 30 pounds during pregnancy. How does that number break down in terms of baby development and body changes?

  • Increased blood flow- 4 pounds
  • Increased breast size- 2 pounds
  • Fat and nutrient stores- 7 pounds
  • Fluids- 4 pounds
  • Amniotic fluid- 2 pounds
  • Placenta- 1.5 pounds
  • Uterus- 2 pounds
  • The actual baby- 7.5 pounds

Many women gain between 1-5 pounds during the first trimester, followed by an additional couple pounds during the second and third trimesters.

How to Control Weight Gain during Pregnancy

Even though a pregnant woman is eating for two, she does not need to eat double the daily calories. In fact, many women do not need any additional calories in the first trimester. The obstetricians at Women’s Specialists of Plano typically recommend an extra 340 daily calories during the second trimester and an extra 450 daily calories during the third trimester.

Controlling pregnancy weight gain is fairly simple for many expectant mothers. It is important all pregnant women eat moderately sized meals and snacks throughout the day, drink adequate amounts of water, exercise on a regular basis, have an occasional indulgence and make weight a regular discussion with a physician.

Are you wondering, how much weight should I gain pregnant? Contact the Plano obstetricians at Women’s Specialists of Plano. Our Plano, Frisco and Dallas, Texas area physicians are available to answer any pregnancy questions or concerns you may have about pregnancy weight gain.