Weigh to Grow

Your Pregnancy Weight Gain

How much weight should I gain? That depends on your pre-pregnancy weight and height. If you were on target for your height, then you should gain between 25 and 35 pounds. If you were underweight, you should gain 28 to 40 pounds. If you were overweight, you should gain 15 to 25 pounds. Of course, if you're having multiples, expect to gain more. Your obstetrician will offer you the best guide as to what weight gain is right for your body.

Even more than how much weight you should gain, it's important to think about what you're eating."Overall, if there were a single word that could cover the subject of nutrition, I think it would be 'sensible'," says David Henderson, MD of Atrium OBGYN in Raleigh. "That means eating a varied, balanced diet, high in vegetables and fiber, with a moderate protein intake to ensure adequate fetal growth."

Avoid adding your extra calories in fats and sweets - you should eat those only in very small quantities. Choosing foods with high nutritional content - fruits, vegetables, lean meats, dairy - are always better choices for baby than high calorie junk food. "Diet should be varied, to provide the many trace minerals, essential amino acids, vitamins and energy that help build a healthy baby. I ask them to avoid extremes, and the few items that pregnant women should stay away from, but in general, to also eat enjoyably," advises Henderson.

When does weight gain happen? Most women don't gain much weight during their first trimester - generally two to five pounds. In the second and third trimester, weight gain happens more quickly, typically at the rate of a pound a week.

Many women have trouble gaining weight due to nausea and vomiting. As long as you're gaining weight steadily, your obstetrician will likely not be concerned. If you begin to lose weight, especially in the second or third trimester, he may intervene with medicinal support or supplemental nutrition.

Gaining weight is depressing. What should I do? For women who have struggled with their weight in the past, it may be difficult to accept that it's okay - even desirable - to gain weight now. It's a major shift in mindset, and some women find it easier than others. As difficult as it may be, try to keep in mind that your extra weight is a temporary condition - you will lose it after you have the baby. Try to see it as something that you're doing for your unborn child.

How will I lose the weight afterwards? You will lose some of the weight immediately after giving birth. Your baby, on average, accounts for 7-8 pounds of your weight gain, and the amniotic fluids, placenta, and other bodily fluids add up to an extra 10 or so pounds. Your uterus and breasts have also gotten bigger, adding up to 5 pounds.

Once your doctor okays it, returning to an exercise regime will help you lose weight. Fun and low impact exercise such as what's offered in Rex Family Birth Center's Post Natal Exercise Class helps moms get into an exercise groove and provides time with their babies. Beyond physical exercise, classes like this where mom and baby can interact with other moms and babies offer the opportunity for emotional and mental exercise, too.

If you're nursing, you may find that the last five or so pounds lingers and your appetite is even more robust than during pregnancy. That's because nursing women need even more calories than pregnant women to produce milk. So, a few stubborn pounds may linger until you finish nursing. It took ten months to gain the weight that your baby needed, and it can take as long (or longer) to lose it.