Weight Gain During Pregnancy Essay

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Healthy Weight Gain During Pregnancy

INTRODUCTION
The amount of weight you should gain during pregnancy depends on how much you weighed before you became pregnant and your overall health. Your recommended weight gain is determined by a measurement called your body mass index (BMI). BMI is an estimate of your body fat based on your height and weight. You can use an online calculator to figure out your BMI, or you can ask your health care provider to calculate it for you at your next visit.
Once you know your pre-pregnancy BMI, you can determine how much weight you can expect to gain during pregnancy. General guidelines for a healthy total weight gain during pregnancy are:
• If you are underweight (BMI of 18 or less), 28–40 lbs (12–18 kg). …show more content…

• If you are overweight (BMI between 25 and 29), 15–25 lbs (7–16 kg).
• If you are obese (BMI of 30 or higher), 11–20 lbs (5–9 kg).
These ranges may be different depending on your individual health. It may be safe to gain more weight if you are carrying more than one baby during your pregnancy, or less weight if your baby is growing and developing normally.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS?
Too much weight gain can lead to pregnancy complications, such as:
• Diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes).
• High blood pressure during pregnancy and protein in your urine (preeclampsia).
• High blood pressure during pregnancy without protein in your urine (gestational hypertension).
• Increased birth weight, leading to more difficult delivery or surgical delivery (Cesarean section).
• Weight problems or obesity after delivery.
• Having a baby that is too large.
• Increased risk that your child may have childhood obesity.

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