Teen Pregnancy Forum

How much weight should I gain during my pregnancy?
It depends — on your height and on how much you weighed before you conceived. If you weighed an average amount before your pregnancy, you should gain between 25 and 35 pounds, gaining 2 to 5 pounds in the first trimester and about 1 pound per week for the rest of your pregnancy.

If you were underweight you should gain 28 to 40 pounds. And if you were overweight you should gain 15 to 25 pounds. If you're having twins you should gain about 35 to 45 pounds. If you fall into one of these categories, talk to your healthcare provider about how much you should gain each month.

How will gaining so much weight affect my body?
Some of the aches and pains you'll feel during pregnancy are related to weight gain. Backache and clumsiness are the most common. Many women complain of swollen legs and ankles (edema), but this symptom is actually caused by the extra blood and other fluid in your body, not by the extra pounds you're carrying.

Fyi: call your healthcare provider if you notice sudden swelling in your hands and face. It could signal a dangerous pregnancy condition called preeclampsia.

If you've struggled with controlling your weight in the past, or even if you've never dieted in your life, you may have a hard time accepting that it's okay to gain weight now. It's normal to feel anxious and even depressed as the numbers on the scale edge up. Try to keep in mind, however, that your extra weight is important for a healthy pregnancy and that those extra pounds will eventually come off after you've had the baby. And it's important to pay more attention to how well you're eating than how much you gain. Cutting out junk food and exercising regularly (after first checking with your healthcare provider) during pregnancy can make a positive difference in how you feel.

If your weight gain is making you feel blue, you're not alone. Find out how other moms-to-be are coping with their weight gain.

I know it's healthy to gain weight, but how will I get rid of all those extra pounds later?
First, follow a healthy diet while you're pregnant and have an exercise physiologist or your doctor or midwife help you set up an exercise program. Both will help ensure you're gaining the appropriate amount of weight at the right rate. You can also consult with a registered dietitian to help you with weight gain during and weight loss after you have your baby.

Much of the weight you've been accumulating will be gone pretty soon after you give birth. The baby accounts for about 7 1/2 pounds (more or less, depending on when you give birth), and the amniotic fluid, placenta, and extra body fluids and blood in your body add up to another 8 to 12 pounds. Also, your uterus and breasts have gotten bigger, adding up to 4 to 6 pounds. Remember, it took nine months to put on the weight and it can take just as long or longer for it all to come off.

Kristin

Dr Appt.