It is completely normal to put on some weight during pregnancy. But that doesn't mean you need to be careless and eat less or eat for two people. Gaining too few or too much weight can be harmful to you and to your baby's health. With that being said, it is very important to gain the right amount of weight while you're pregnant.
Here are some general guidelines that will help you gain the right amount of weight throughout your pregnancy.
How much weight you should gain?
If you were underweight before you got pregnant, then you should gain 28 to 40 pounds during pregnancy. Hence, you should gain one pound per month for a total of 3-5 pounds in your first trimester and a little more than a pound per week for the second and third trimester.
But if you had a normal weight before pregnancy, then the weight you need to gain is about 25 to 35 pounds. For the first trimester, you should gain 1 to 4½ pounds, then a little more than a pound a week for the second trimester and third.
For people who are overweight before pregnancy, they need to gain only 15 to 25 pounds while obese women should only gain 15 pounds. Hence, they should gain 1 to 4 ½ pounds in the first trimester and should gain a little less than a ½ pound every week for the second trimester and third.
And if you are expecting twins, you should gain 35 to 45 pounds during pregnancy. Thus, you should gain 1 ½ pounds per week after the usual weight gain in your first trimester.
Is it safe to lose weight while pregnant?
You should see your doctor and ask for advice because pregnant women should only lose weight under her doctor's supervision.
Putting on weight slowly and steadily during pregnancy is totally normal. Nevertheless, you should keep up with your doctor's appointment to see how much weight you should gain.
