Pre-Pregnancy BMI - weight gain?

[RandaPanda]

Hi ladies!

So, before my pregnancy, I was a bit underweight and had a BMI of 17.9. I'm 14 weeks tomorrow, and have only gained 2lbs so far. I know that normally a 2 lb gain in the span of the first tri would be good, but I'm just not sure if I'm lagging behind a bit considering my starting weight. I'm in rural China, and the doctors haven't said anything to me (but they already think I'm "fat" compared to the locals, and they don't really speak English, so I never really feel like I'm informed about my pregnancy!)

Anyone who started out underweight have any advice from their doctor about their weight gain goals? Can I expect to gain a lot more in second trimester, so I shouldn't worry? I have a hard time finding quality food here sometimes - fruits and veg and riddled with pesticides that are banned back in North America, and the quality of the meat is disgusting!! I snack on nuts, and have been putting lots of beans and lentils in the food I cook at home. But I've also been quite sick, so can't always stomach much food.

Thanks for any advice

 

[N27murray]

Your starting bmi is pretty low so I know it would be healthy to gain more than "average" throughout the pregnancy. Average is 25-35 pounds so if you gain around 35-40 by the end that would be good.
now its very normal for people to gain absolutely zero in the first tri so if you've gained two lbs already I think you're on the right track.
I was told to aim for 1/2 lb a week for the first twenty weeks, then 1lb a week for the next twenty (mind u I was in the normal bmi range and on the higher end of it).
I didn't gain an ounce in the first 15 weeks but by 20 weeks I had gained 6.5lbs!

don't worry, baby will be hitting a growth spurt any time now just make sure you aren't depriving yourself of any nutrients you need...because baby will take what it needs no matter what.
good luck mama