Healthy Weight during Pregnancy

The amount of food an individual needs during pregnancy depends on several factors. These include weight before pregnancy, activity level and current trimester. All pregnant women should eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods each day. It also may be necessary to take a vitamin and mineral supplement if recommended by a physician.

Research shows the risk of problems during pregnancy and delivery is lowest when weight gain is kept within a healthy range. Excess weight gain during pregnancy can be risky for both mother and child, with some risks including gestational diabetes, Cesarean delivery, higher infant birth weight and miscarriage.

Weight Gain Guidelines

Weight gain guidelines are based on body mass index, or BMI, before pregnancy. The amount of weight gained depends on which category the pre-pregnancy BMI lands in:

• Underweight: BMI below 18.5
• Normal weight: 18.5 to 24.9
• Overweight: 25.0 to 29.9
• Obese: 30.0 and above

The weight ranges below are for a full-term pregnancy:

• Underweight: 28 to 40 pounds
• Normal: 25 to 35 pounds
• Overweight: 15 to 25 pounds
• Obese: 11 to 20 pounds

Recommendations increase for individuals pregnant with twins and multiples:

• Normal: 37 to 54 pounds
• Overweight: 31 to 50 pounds
• Obese: 25 to 42 pounds

Guidelines are currently unavailable for weight gain when an individual has an underweight BMI and is pregnant with twins.

Calorie Intake

In general, a gradual increase in calories as the baby grows is the best bet. Here is an overview of how calorie needs change during each trimester:

• The first trimester does not require any extra calories.
• During the second trimester, an additional 340 calories a day are recommended.
• For the third trimester, the recommendation is 450 calories more per day than when not pregnant.

Additional calories should come from nutrient-dense foods including lean protein, whole grains, low-fat or fat-free dairy, vegetables and fruit.

Physical Activity

Physical activity is important, even during pregnancy. Guidelines encourage 150 minutes of activity each week. An easy way to meet this goal may be to aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise on most, if not all, days of the week. Make sure to talk with a doctor before starting or continuing any exercise routine while pregnant.