Weight gain during pregnancy: this much is normal
Every woman gains weight during pregnancy. Because the weight of the baby and much more is added. About 10 to 16 kilograms are considered normal, depending on previous weight and height.
How is weight distributed during pregnancy?
It’s normal for you to gain a lot of weight during pregnancy. Your body changes to make your child feel better. Weight gain during pregnancy is different for every pregnant woman. Among other things, it depends on your stature, body size and your fat deposits. Before you got pregnant, were you slim or chubby? Did you do a lot of sport that you can no longer do? This has just as much influence on how much weight you gain during pregnancy as your eating habits. But most importantly, weight change is based on organic changes and the growth of the baby. Towards the end of pregnancy, the following factors come together:
- Your baby will end up adding about 3 to 4 kg of weight.
- The muscular layer of the uterus increases (muscles are heavier than fat tissue).
- Your uterus is larger and therefore weighs more (approx. 1 to 1.5 kg).
- The weight of the placenta (afterbirth) and the amniotic fluid is added (approx. 1.5 kg).
- Your breasts will become significantly larger and therefore heavier (approx. 400 g) as they prepare for breastfeeding .
- Your blood volume increases by approx. 1.5 kg (so that your child is supplied with enough oxygen, for example).
- Fat reserves accumulate (approx. 2 to 3 kg) because you need more energy (e.g. for breastfeeding).
- There is increased water retention (approx. 2 kg).
How much weight do you gain on average during pregnancy?
In the first 3 months of pregnancy there is only a slight trend, i.e. you do not gain more than 1.5 kg. If you vomit a lot , you may even lose weight. Your hips will widen early on to allow the pelvis to expand for childbirth. From the second trimester of pregnancy you will then gain a lot of weight, because your baby is programmed to grow during this time. And you will also gain a lot of weight in the last few weeks before the due date. A healthy and normal amount of weight gain for the entire 9 months is around 20 to 30 pounds, depending on your previous weight and height. From the 4th month you shouldgain about 300 g and from the 7th month 500 g per week. But much more important than the number of kilos is the course of the weight curve. That’s why your doctor lets you step on the scales at every check-up.
Calculate the BMI during pregnancy
Whether you gain too much or too little weight depends on your previous weight and height. By determining your body mass index (BMI), you can include both. To do this, simply go to our BMI calculator . The starting weight is your pre-pregnancy weight. Depending on what BMI you had before pregnancy, the range of “normal” weight gain is:
| Body Mass Index | value of BMI | weight gain |
|---|---|---|
| Low | < 19.8 | 12.5 to 18.0 kg |
| normal | 19.8 to 26.0 | 11.5 to 16.0 kg |
| High | 26.0 to 29.0 | 7.0 to 11.5 kg |
| Very high | Over 29.0 | Not over 6kg |
Risks of being underweight and overweight during pregnancy
Underweight : If you are not gaining weight or are severely underweight , there may be a risk of premature birth . Your baby can be born underweight and therefore have poorer starting opportunities. You are also at risk because there is an increased risk of anemia (lack of red blood cells). So if you already have a BMI of under 18 before pregnancy, you should pay particular attention to a balanced diet. Losing weight and dream figure are categories that you really shouldn’t think about right now.
Being overweight increases the risk of high blood pressure, gestational diabetes and, in the worst case , preeclampsiato get sick. In addition, birth can be more difficult if you are overweight. If you are overweight, you should never go on a diet. If you eat less, you also take in fewer nutrients – but your baby is dependent on the nutrients. Instead, you should pay attention to a particularly healthy diet during pregnancy. If you regularly go to check-ups and have your weight checked, you really can’t do anything wrong. And remember: Pregnant women have to eat for two, but not double the portion. If you are still concerned about your weight, you should talk to your doctor or midwife.
Regardless of whether you are normal, underweight or overweight, a balanced and nutritious diet is very important during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In our “ Nutrition during pregnancy ” section you will find numerous hints and tips.
That’s how much 3,500 other pregnant women gained
In a major MomaSquad survey, we asked 3,500 moms how much weight they gained during their pregnancy. 29 percent of those surveyed said they had gained between 10 and 15 kilograms, which was normal. 23 percent gained less than 10 kilograms. 25 percent were slightly more with a weight gain between 15 and 20 kilograms. And more than 20 percent of those surveyed were well above the norm with a weight gain of more than 20 kilograms.