Weight gain during pregnancy

You should gain weight gradually during your pregnancy, with most of the weight gained in the last 3 months. Many doctors suggest women gain weight at the following rate:

• 2 to 4 pounds total during the first 3 months (first trimester)
• 3 to 4 pounds per month during the 4^th to 9^th months (second and third trimesters)

The total amount of weight you should gain during your pregnancy depends on your weight when you became pregnant.

Women whose weight was in the healthy range before becoming pregnant should gain between 25 and 35 pounds while pregnant. The advice is different for those who were overweight or underweight before becoming pregnant.

To learn how much weight you should probably gain, enter your height and weight here:
Height:		Height, feet: -- 4 5 6 7  feet  Height, inches: -- 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11  inches		Pre-pregnancy Weight: (weight before you became pregnant)		Weight:  pounds

If you gain too much weight during pregnancy, it can be hard to lose the weight after your baby is born. Most women who gain the suggested amount of weight lose it with the birth of the baby and in the months that follow.

Breastfeeding for more than 3 months can also help you lose weight gained during pregnancy. If you gain too little weight during pregnancy, you may have a higher risk for a premature delivery and a low birth weight infant.

Follow your MyPyramid Plan for Moms to choose the right amounts from each food group. In addition, visit your health care provider regularly so they can check on your weight gain. If you are gaining weight too slowly or too fast, change the amount you are eating:

• If you are gaining weight too fast, cut back on the calories you are currently eating.
  • The best way to eat fewer calories is by decreasing the amount of “extras” you are eating.
    
    
  • “Extras” are added sugars and solid fats in foods like soft drinks, desserts, fried foods, cheese, whole milk, and fatty meats. Look for choices that are low-fat, fat-free, unsweetened, or with no-added-sugars. They have fewer “extras.” Click here for more information about “extras.”
    
    
  • Alcohol is also considered an “extra,” but you should not drink at all while pregnant.
• If you are not gaining weight, or gaining too slowly, you need to eat more calories. You can do this by eating a little more from each food group.