Where does all the extra weight go?
Here is an approximate breakdown of your weight gain:
* Baby: 7-8 pounds
* Placenta: 1-2 pounds
* Amniotic fluid: 2 pounds
* Uterus: 2 pounds
* Maternal breast tissue: 2 pounds
* Maternal blood : 4 pounds
* Fluids in maternal tissue: 4 pounds
* Maternal fat and nutrient stores: 7 pounds
How much total weight should I gain?
The amount of weight you should gain depends on your weight before pregnancy. You should gain:
* 25-37 pounds if you were a healthy weight before pregnancy.
* 28-40 pounds if you were underweight before pregnancy.
* 15-25 pounds if you were overweight before pregnancy.
At what rate should I gain weight during my pregnancy?
How much you should gain depends on your weight before you were pregnant and how far along you are in your pregnancy.
* Healthy weight before pregnancy:
o 3-5 pounds during the first trimester
o Approximately 1-2 pounds per week in the second trimester
o Approximately 1-2 pounds per week in the third trimester
* Underweight before pregnancy:
o 5-6 pounds or more in your first trimester; this also can depend on how underweight you were before pregnancy & your health care provider's recommendations
o 1-2 pounds per week in the second and third trimesters
* Overweight before pregnancy:
o Approximately 1-2 pounds in the first trimester
o Approximately 1 pound per week during the last six months
Throughout your pregnancy the goal is to keep weight gain as steady as possible because your baby requires a daily supply of nutrients that comes from what you eat. It is ok for your weight gain to fluctuate a little from week to week. However, you should contact your health care provider if you suddenly gain or lose weight, especially in your third trimester. This could be a sign of preeclampsia.
