already a member?
Email Address

Password

Weight Gain During Pregnancy

Should I panic if I gain too much or too little weight while pregnant?
No, I don't think panic is necessary! On average, a woman should try to gain 15-30 pounds when pregnant, with the vast majority of this weight gain occurring in the second and third trimesters. This total gain is related to pre-pregnancy weight. It's better if thinner patients aim for the high end and heavier patients aim for the low end of the weight spectrum.

Gaining the recommended amount of weight is far better than gaining too little or too much—both of which can contribute minimally to poor fetal growth. But while excessive weight gain is undesirable, I think of it as "spilt milk"—something that the patient and caregiver can deal with after the baby is born.
Answered by Dr. James Hinshaw
17 Likes | | Discuss | Report Abuse |
More Expert Advice

Comments

7/29/2009 - 10:46PM
Report Abuse
It also depends on the womans body. what is right for her. I knew a woman who was very skinny and she gained 85 lbs with each pregnancy ( she has had 5 kids) she has lost all her weight from all her pregnancys and she did just fine
1/25/2009 - 12:08PM
Report Abuse
Don't believe everything you read. I only gained 15 lbs with my daughter (and i am verythin/a little under weight) and she came out to be 8 lbs 21 inches. My sister though (who is thin but about average) gained 85 lbs and ended up with a 6lbs 18 inched baby.
11/21/2008 - 2:53PM
Report Abuse
You're pregnant, right? So you get to eat as many french fries as you want, right? Wrong! Be careful about how much weight you gain during your pregnancy. Gaining too much or too little can be harmful to you and your baby. How many pounds you need to add depends on how much you weigh when you become pregnant. Gaining the right amount of weight helps protect the health of your baby. Women who gain too little are at increased risk of having a small baby (less than 5 1/2 pounds). Women who gain too much are at increased risk of having an early baby or a large baby. They may also have health problems themselves such as diabetes, high blood pressure and varicose veins.


More QA

View All: Goods, Tips, Spills, Activities, Polls