Weight gain during pregnancy is a gradual and expected process. Your body is growing and changing along with your baby’s growth. It is important for an expectant mother to know how much weight gain is required during each trimester.

Pregnancy weight gain has a great impact on the health of the mother and the developing baby. It is advised that you check your Body Mass Index (BMI) at the beginning of your pregnancy and continue to gain adequate weight.

Pregnancy weight gain calculator  in kg

To calculate pregnancy weight, we need to first calculate BMI. To work out your BMI (kg/m2):

• First, divide your weight in kilograms (kg) by your height in metres (m).
• Then divide the answer by your height again to get your BMI.

The expected amount of pregnancy weight gain, based on the BMI in early pregnancy is as follows:

Average weight gain during pregnancy is approximately 12 kg (8-16 kg) based on the BMI. This does not solely account for the weight of the baby, but also for amniotic fluid, placenta, increased fat stores, blood, etc. Here is how the ideal pregnancy weight is distributed:

• The baby: 2 – 3.4 kg
• For amniotic fluid: 4 – 5.9 kg
• For placenta: 0.5 kg
• Uterus: 0.5 – 1.1 kg
• Breasts: 0.5 – 1.4 kg
• An increased volume of blood: 1 – 1.8 kg
• Fat stores: 1 – 3.6 kg

Just like no other people have the same body and the same weight, the weight increase during pregnancy also varies with individual pregnant mothers. Normal weight gain during pregnancy includes 2-3 kg increase in the first 20 weeks, then 0.5 kg every week till the baby is due. An ideal weight gain of 12-16 kgs can be expected at full term of pregnancy. But, it differs in reality due to pregnancy symptoms, body type, individual’s lifestyle, cultural differences,etc.

Pregnancy weight gain chart

Baby weight gain chart during pregnancy

Like the expectant mother, the growing baby also gains weight at different rates. However, the ideal weight gain during the foetal life of a baby is as follows:

Achieving a healthy weight gain during pregnancy

Eating a balanced diet and regular mild exercise are important to achieve a healthy pregnancy weight gain. A healthy diet during pregnancy according to the World Health Organization (WHO) requires 200-300 calories more than the normal calorie intake, per day. Moreover, the food during pregnancy should include adequate energy, protein, folic acid, iron, vitamins and minerals, which are obtained through a variety of foods like green vegetables, fruits, meat, and fish.

7 Healthy foods to increase baby weight during pregnancy

• Milk and other milk products
• Pulses, dals, cereals, nuts and whole grains
• Fish, meat, and poultry
• Fruits like oranges, apples, grapes and avocados
• Green leafy and orange vegetables
• Liquids (avoid packaged juices)
• Fats (avoid saturated fats)

Women who are overweight before pregnancy should try to limit the amount of weight they gain. You should emphasize on restricting your diet, though. Researchers have shown that for a pregnant woman who is overweight in the first trimester, a low-calorie diet does not help either the mother or the baby. Instead, regular exercise like yoga or meditation along with the ideal pregnancy food will help you achieve a healthy pregnancy weight gain and deliver a healthy baby. If you are underweight during the first trimester of pregnancy, try to achieve the normal weight gain recommended during pregnancy.

Do not fret over the few extra kilos that you gain during pregnancy! It is expected and is healthy for you and the baby. However, if you are worried about putting on too much or too little weight, consult your doctor to identify the cause and manage it.

Also read: Superfoods And Their Role In Pregnancy

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