Question

We learn about the importance of nutrition during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

1. What is optimal weight gain during pregnancy for a woman who begins pregnancy at a healthy BMI?

2. How does this differ for a woman who begins pregnancy

a. underweight?

b. Overweight?

c. Obese?

3. Why is it important to make sure you are gaining enough weight but not too much during pregnancy?

Answer 1

1.The optimal weight gain during pregnancy for a women with healthy BMI should be 1 to 1.5 kg in the first trimester and thereafter a gradual and steady increase of 1.5 kg to 2 kg per month is normal. Throughout the pregnancy a women will gain weight around 11.5 kg to 16 kg. Any increase or decrease in weight has to be consulted with the obstetrician and corrected immediately without any delay to deliver a healthy baby.

2.a.Underweight (BMI <18.5kg/m²) has to gain atleast 12.5 kg to 18kg during pregnancy to prevent any complications to self and the fetus

b. Overweight (BMI 25 to 19.9kg/m²) has to gain a weight of 7 to 11.5 kg

c.Obesity(BMI>30 kg/m²) has to gain only 5 to 9 kg during pregnancy.

3.The importance of making sure the right weight gain is achieved during pregnancy are

• To prevent complications to mother and fetus
• It makes sure adequate nutrition is received to the fetus by weight gain
• Too much weight gain during pregnancy can be a sign of gestational diabetes and increase risk of disease in fetus.