Putting on weight during pregnancy is a very normal thing as well as essential for your child’s development. There are a lot of pregnant ladies who are inquiring, “What’s a sound measure of weight gain?” Some are concerned they are acquiring excessively, others are stressed they’re not acquiring enough. A decent way to deal with weight gain is fundamental — not excessively little or much.  In this blog, you will come across how much weight you should get during pregnancy, what influences weight gain, and how to manage it consistently.

Why is Pregnancy Weight Gain Important?

The weight you gain during pregnancy is very much important for your child’s development, and it helps your body with getting ready for the next step like, birth and breastfeeding. It helps:

• Support your child’s turn of events.
• Develop energy stores for work and breastfeeding.
• Guarantee your body has an adequate number of supplements to remain sound.

A sound weight gain guarantees a lower chance of complexities, both for yourself as well as your child.

Recommended Weight Gain Based on Pre-Pregnancy BMI

Every lady’s ideal pregnancy weight gain relies upon her pre-pregnancy Weight Record (Body Mass Index -BMI). The general recommendations are:

✅ Underweight (BMI < 18.5): Gain 28-40 lbs (12.5-18 kg). 

✅ Normal weight (BMI 18.5 – 24.9): Gain 25-35 lbs (11.5-16 kg). 

✅ Overweight (BMI 25 – 29.9): Gain 15-25 lbs (7-11.5 kg). 

✅ Obese (BMI ≥ 30): Gain 11-20 lbs (5-9 kg).

Why does BMI matter?

• Underweight women may need more weight gain to support fetal development.
• Overweight women could require less weight gain to avoid burdens like gestational diabetes.

Assuming that you’re conveying twins or products, your weight gain proposals might be higher. Continuously counsel your medical services supplier for customized guidance.

Trimester-Wise Breakdown of Healthy Weight Gain

Weight gain should be gradual and consistent rather than sudden.  This is the way much you ought to acquire in every trimester:

First Trimester (0-12 Weeks)

✔️ Recommended Gain: 1-4 lbs (0.5-2 kg) 

✔️ Weight gain is not obtained so much due to morning sickness and appetite changes. 

✔️ Focus on small, nutrient-rich foods to keep energy levels up.

Second Trimester (13-27 Weeks)

✔️ Recommended Gain: 1-2 lbs per week (0.5-1 kg per week). 

✔️ The baby’s growth increases during this trimester, so your calorie intake may need to increase.

✔️ Add lean proteins, healthy fats, and fiber-rich foods to your diet.

Third Trimester (28-40 Weeks)

✔️ Recommended Gain: 1-2 lbs per week (0.5-1 kg per week). 

✔️ Most of the weight gain during this stage comes from the baby’s growth, amniotic fluid, and placenta.

✔️ Eating smaller, frequent meals can help manage digestion and bloating.

What Contributes to Pregnancy Weight Gain?

Weight gain in pregnancy doesn’t mean simply fat collection — it incorporates fundamental components for your child’s development:

📌 Baby’s weight → ~7-8 lbs
📌 Placenta → ~1.5 lbs
📌 Amniotic fluid → ~2 lbs
📌 Uterus expansion → ~2 lbs
📌 Increased blood volume → ~4 lbs
📌 Breast tissue growth → ~2 lbs
📌 Fat stores for breastfeeding & energy → 5-9 lbs

💡 Total weight gain isn’t just fat; it supports the baby’s development!

Factors That Affect Pregnancy Weight Gain

Very few odd women gain weight at the same rate. A few factors that may influence weight gain during pregnancy are as follows:

✔️Digestion and genetics: A couple of women frequently gain significant weight.

✔️Nutrition and diet decisions: Nutrient rich foods can help maintain a healthy weight. 

✔️Levels of physical activity: Staying physically active is essential and helps control weight gain. 

✔️Twin or multiple pregnancies: Pregnant women carrying twins or multiple babies must gain more weight than those with a single pregnancy.

✔️Medical conditions (preeclampsia, gestational diabetes): This can affect weight gain patterns.

Tips for Healthy Pregnancy Weight Gain

To put on weight in a sound manner, focus on balance and nourishment. This is how it’s done:

✅Consume nutrient-rich foods such as vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and healthy fats.

✅Stay hydrated: In order to avoid fluid retention, drink a lot of water.

✅Moderate exercise: swimming, yoga, and walking, can help you maintain a healthy weight.

✅Recognize signs of hunger: Avoid overindulging, but don’t cut back on essential calories either.

✅Cut out sources of sugary and processed foods: Unhealthy eating habits and excessive sugar contribute to unnecessary weight gain.

 Keep away from “Eating for Two” myth

✔️ First trimester → No additional calories required. 

✔️ Second trimester → +300-350 calories each day. 

✔️ Third trimester +450 calories each day.

Risks of Too Much or Too Little Weight Gain

Issues may arise from either too much or too little weight gain:

❌Excessive weight gain:

• It increases the risk of high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, and cesarean      delivery.

• It may result in macrosomia, or excess birth weight, which makes labor challenging.

❌Lack of weight gain:

• Raises the possibility of low birth weight, premature labor, or developmental problems.
• Both the mother and the child may experiencing nutritional deficiencies.

💡 Moderation is essential; avoid extremes and concentrate on steady, gradual weight gain.

When to Seek Medical Advice?

See your physician if you: 

✔ ️ Are gaining weight too quickly or too slowly. 

✔ ️ Feel swollen all of a sudden; this could indicate preeclampsia. 

✔ ️ Battle eating disorders, extreme nausea, or appetite loss. 

✔ ️Have a medical history that has contributed to weight gain?

My Personal Pregnancy Experience

Before becoming pregnant, I weighed 60 kg (BMI 24.1), which was within the normal range. However, by 30-32 weeks, I had only gained roughly 6 kg, which is considered low, especially since I was carrying twins. The reason for this was severe nausea and vomiting throughout my entire pregnancy.

I could barely eat anything, and even when I tried, I often threw up—including instances of blood vomiting. It was one of the most challenging times of my life, and I cannot fully describe it in words. It was challenging to even take prescribed medications because they made vomiting worse.

By Allah’s grace, my children were born healthy in spite of everything, and I continued to be completely active.

I want to advise any expectant mother experiencing a difficult pregnancy: Don’t worry if you can’t adhere to every pregnancy rule precisely.  Instead, focus on doing your best and staying mentally strong. Stress and anxiety can also seriously affect a baby’s development. Keep a positive attitude and trust that everything will work out. 💕

Keep in mind that each pregnancy is different! Focus on nourishing yourself and your child, pay attention to your body, and heed your doctor’s advice.