Pregnancy is a time when our body works wonders to nurture a precious life inside us. Among the many changes we experience like increase in blood volume, uterine enlargement and placenta growth, weight gain is an essential part of this transformative process and is entirely normal and necessary. Gaining enough weight enables the woman to nurse and give the infant the nutrients and energy needed for healthy development. But wait, how much is too much or too little? Let's see the significance of weight gain during pregnancy and discover just how much is perfect for our little bundle of joy!
Weight range
The average weight gain ranges from around 10 kg to 12.5 kg which primarily occurs in the second trimester of pregnancy as some women tend to lose weight during the first trimester due to heavy morning sickness. Healthy weight gain during pregnancy depends on BMI (Body Mass Index) before pregnancy:
1) BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 (Normal Weight): Recommended weight gain is between 11.3 to 15.9 kgs.
2) BMI less than 18.5 (Underweight): Recommended weight gain is between 12.7 to 18.1 kgs.
3) BMI between 25 and 29.9 (Overweight): Recommended weight gain is between 6.8 to 11.3 kgs.
4) BMI greater than 30 (Obese): Recommended weight gain is between 5 to 9.1 kgs.
These recommendations by IOM serve to ensure that both the mother and the child get the nutrients they require without placing the mother at risk of issues related to excessive weight gain during pregnancy.
Now we’ll take a look at the risks associated with excessive weight gain as well as insufficient weight gain;
Risks of excessive weight gain:
Excessive weight gain during pregnancy can also cause some concerns like:
1) Lactation issues: Women who are overweight and obese have lowered prolactin (a hormone that is responsible for lactation, and breast development) responses to suckling.
2) Gestational Diabetes: Gaining too much weight during pregnancy can increase the risk of developing gestational diabetes, which affects how the body processes sugar, potentially causing health complications for both the mother and the baby.
3) Difficulties in Delivery: Larger babies might result from excessive weight gain, which makes the labour more challenging and creates delivery issues. Furthermore, there are higher chances of caesarean.
4) High Blood Pressure: Putting on too much weight can lead to high blood pressure and increases the risk of organ damage.
Risks associated with inadequate weight gain:
Insufficient weight gain can result in a number of health issues for both the mother and baby, for instance:
1) Premature Birth: A lack of essential nutrients due to inadequate weight gain may increase the likelihood of premature birth, where the baby is born before completing 37 weeks of gestation. Premature babies may face health challenges, requiring specialised care and medical attention.
2) Low Birth Weight: Insufficient weight gain during pregnancy can lead to low birth weight, where the baby is born weighing less than 2.5 kgs. Low birth weight can increase the risk of health complications for the baby, such as difficulty regulating body temperature, respiratory issues, and developmental delays.
3) Immune system weakness: Inadequate weight gain might weaken the mother's immune system, making her more susceptible to infections and illnesses during pregnancy.
4) Nutritional Deficiencies: Insufficient weight gain may result in nutritional deficiencies for both the mother and the baby. Insufficient nutrients can affect the baby's growth and development and may lead to long-term health consequences.
To achieve a healthy weight gain during pregnancy, it is essential for expectant mothers to eat a balanced diet to make sure they and their infant get all the essential nutrients, furthermore concentrating on eating a healthy diet that consists of;
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Whole grains
- lean meats
- Dairy products
Stay active in order to maintain a healthy weight. Engage in regular, low-impact physical activity like walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga. Attend all doctor appointments to keep track of your weight gain and make sure the baby is developing normally. Also seek advice from a Professional so as to develop a customised plan based on your unique health requirements, speak with your healthcare provider or a trained dietitian.
It is important to strike a balance and follow appropriate guidelines to ensure a healthy outcome for both the mother and the baby. By maintaining a balanced diet, staying active, and regularly attending prenatal checkups, expectant mothers can foster a healthy pregnancy and set the stage for a bright and promising future for their child.
