“How much weight should I gain during pregnancy?” she asked. T, 28, was a first-time mum in her second trimester. Her appetite had just returned after she had quite a bad experience of morning sickness in the early stages of pregnancy. Her antenatal course had been otherwise uneventful.
Why weight gain matters
One of the many changes in the body during pregnancy is weight gain. Knowing the weight gain during pregnancy is important for the following reasons:
Monitoring Fetal Growth: Appropriate weight gain is important for the healthy growth and development of the fetus. Insufficient or excessive weight gain can lead to a baby with low birth weight or an overly big baby which may cause delivery issues.
Maternal Health: The right amount of weight gain helps maintain the mother's health. Excessive weight gain can increase the risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and long-term obesity, while too little can lead to maternal malnourishment and anemia (low haemoglobin level).
Guiding Nutritional Needs: Tracking weight gain helps the obstetrician offer personalized dietary advice to ensure that the mother and baby are getting the necessary nutrients.
Preventing Complications: By monitoring maternal weight, potential complications can be identified and managed early. This includes managing risks like hypertension, premature birth, and the need for cesarean delivery.
What factors contribute to Weight Gain
These include:
Baby’s Growth: The baby itself contributes significantly to the weight gain.
Placenta: The placenta, which nourishes the baby, adds to the overall weight.
Amniotic Fluid: The fluid which surrounds and protects the baby also adds to the weight.
Blood Volume of the mother increases during pregnancy: This is due to the extra oxygen and nutritional demand of both the mother and baby.
Breast Tissue: The breasts grow larger to prepare for breastfeeding.
Fat Stores: Extra fat is stored to provide energy for labor, delivery, and breastfeeding.
Uterus Growth: The uterus expands to accommodate the growing baby, contributing to weight gain. The uterus typically weighs about 50-100 grams before pregnancy. By the end of pregnancy, it weighs around 1,000 grams.
General pattern of weight gain
First Trimester: Weight gain is minimal as many women suffer morning sickness with a reduced appetite. Some may even lose a small amount of weight, which can be normal.
Second Trimester: Weight gain is steady and rapid. This is the period of significant weight gain as the baby begins to grow more rapidly.
Third Trimester: Weight gain starts to plateau off and may slow slightly towards the end.
Weight gain recommendations during pregnancy
The amount of weight gain depends on the pre-pregnancy weight and Body Mass Index (BMI). Here are the general guidelines:
Underweight (BMI < 18.5): Gain about 13 to 18 kg
Normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9): Gain about 11 to 16 kg
Overweight (BMI 25-29.9): Gain about 7 to 11 kg
Obese (BMI ≥ 30): Gain about 5-9 kg
It's important to note that these are general recommendations.
For Asian women, there is a tendency to recommend a slightly lower weight gain because Asian populations may have a higher body fat percentage at a lower BMI compared to other populations. Traditional diets and nutritional habits can also affect weight gain.
It is important to have individualized recommendations from the obstetrician as he may consider factors like the mother's health, nutritional status, and pregnancy complications.
What factors may influence weight gain
Several factors can influence maternal weight gain.
Multiple Pregnancies: In twin or multiple pregnancies, maternal weight gain is more. The recommended gain for twins is 16.8-24.5 kg for women with a normal BMI.
Health Conditions: Conditions such as diabetes or hypertension can impact weight gain recommendations.
Nutrition and activity levels: Eating a balanced diet and staying active are crucial for healthy weight gain.
Regular antenatal check-ups are essential to monitor your weight gain and overall health.
Conclusion
Gaining the appropriate amount of weight during pregnancy is vital for the health of both mother and baby. By following the guidelines, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with balanced diet and regular antenatal visits, a smoother pregnancy journey can be ensured.
T was progressing well in her pregnancy with no complications. She put on weight well within the normal range and is eagerly awaiting the arrival of her bundle of joy.
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