Prenatal Care Book 2023 | Page 44

HOW MUCH WEIGHT SHOULD I GAIN ?

Most expectant mothers are concerned about weight gain during pregnancy . The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Institute of Medicine recommended the following weight gain during pregnancy :
Category
BMI
Single
Twins
Underweight
< 19
28-40
N / A
Normal Weight
19-25
25-35
37-54
Overweight
26-29
15-25
31-50
Obese
> 30
11-20
25-42
A total weight gain of 25 pounds is typically accumulated as follows :
Trimester
Pounds First 3-5 Second 10 Third 11
You will typically gain ½ to 1 pound per week during the second and third trimesters . Pregnant women are strongly cautioned to avoid weight loss programs or diets during their pregnancy .
Many women believe that weight gain in excess of the baby ’ s weight must be in the form of fat . The following table reveals a reassuring breakdown of weight gain during pregnancy .
Baby Placenta Uterus ( Womb ) Amniotic Fluid Breasts Extra Blood Volume Body Fat Tissue Fluid ( Edema )
6-8 pounds 1-2 pounds 2 pounds 1-2 pounds 1 pound 2-3 pounds 5 pounds 4-7 pounds
42 My Prenatal Care Book