Weight gain is a natural part of pregnancy, but how do you know if you are gaining the right amount of weight? Gaining too little or too much weight is not a good thing during pregnancy as it can affect your baby’s growth. When the mother gains too little weight, it is more than likely that the baby is not getting sufficient nutrient to promote healthy growth. On the other hand, too much weight gain by the mother can lead to several pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes, hypertension and other similar problems. So what is a normal range for weight gain? An average woman needs to gain somewhere between 25-35 pounds during pregnancy. It is important that the weight gain is gradual and gained by eating a healthy and well balanced diet. During the first 3 months, women usually should only gain 2-4 pounds and then about a pound a week thereafter. The steady weight gain is a positive sign that your baby is actually getting proper nutrients for growth. When pregnant with twins, the weight gain should be between 35-45 pounds for an average woman. It is important to know that the weight gain can be easily divided in the weight of the baby, the placenta, amniotic fluid, blood supply and the increase in the size of the uterus to accommodate a growing baby. However, these are just estimates and vary from person to person, so it’s best to consult your Ob-gyn to determine how much weight gain is appropriate for you!
