How to Gain Weight During Pregnancy

There is a good way and a bad way to gain weight during pregnancy. Your goal should be to gain weight in a healthy and gradual manner. Gaining too much weight during pregnancy can lead to high birth weight, gestational diabetes and difficulty losing weight following the pregnancy. Not gaining enough weight can lead to low birth weight and other fetal problems.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Start healthy eating habits before you get pregnant. This can make the transition much easier. Cut down on sweets and fatty foods with little nutritional value.
2. Ask your doctor how much total weight you should gain during the pregnancy. The average weight gain is a total of 25 to 35 pounds, but may be more or less depending on if you are overweight or underweight.
3. Add only 200 extra calories on a daily basis to your diet. A woman already eating a healthy balanced and nutritional diet does not need to change her diet that dramatically.
4. Incorporate foods that are high in protein and good fats to your diet. This can include peanut butter, avocados, fatty fish and nuts.
5. Gradually gain weight during your pregnancy. Healthy pregnancies consist of the woman gaining three to five pounds during the first trimester and then one to two pounds weekly for the second and third trimesters.

Tips & Warnings

• Exercising will help regulate your weight gain throughout your pregnancy.
• Your weight gain may fluctuate during your pregnancy. Do not be alarmed if you gain four pounds one week and only one pound the next.
• If you suddenly gain or lose a dramatic amount of weight during the third trimester, you should notify your health provider. This can be a sign of preeclampsia.