One of the common symptoms of pregnancy is a progressive weight gain. It is a natural phenomenon and the rate depends on individual physiology. In early weeks, the pregnant woman may loose
weight because of nausea and vomiting. During subsequent months, the weight gain is progressive until the last one or two weeks, when the weight remains static. The chart below shows the distribution of increased
Weight During Pregnancy
Distribution of weight (in pounds) |
Baby |
7 ½ |
Fat |
7 |
Maternal fluids in tissue |
4 |
Maternal blood |
4 |
Breasts |
2 |
Amniotic fluid |
2 |
Placenta |
1 ½ |
Uterus |
2 |
Total |
30 |
Why you need tracking weight during pregnancy:
No clinical evidence is found regarding the impact of a specific
weight gain on the baby's health. But, it is necessary to keep track of the progressive increase in
Weight During Pregnancy for a normal development of the fetus. Also, to reduce the potential hazards of weight loss in a pregnant woman. Single weight checking is of no or little value except to identify the overweight or underweight patients. But, periodic and regular weight checking helps in detecting abnormalities, if any.
- A rapid gain in weight of more than 1 pound a week or more than 5 pounds a month in the later phase of Pregnancy may be the early manifestation of pre-eclampsia.
- A stationary or falling weight may suggest intrauterine growth retardation or even death of the fetus.
- Too much gain in weight may lead to severe backaches, hip pains and varicose veins.
- A pregnant woman may experience rise in blood pressure levels in some cases due to excess weights.
A proper weight is necessary for balancing energy levels, minimizing various discomforts of pregnancy and preparing the mother-to-be for the rigors of childbirth. Following are some simple tips that are effective for tracking weight gains during
Pregnancy and to maintain the ideal weight.
- Monitor the progressive increase in weight during your pregnancy.
- Gain weight gradually.
- A well-balanced diet is always effective in maintaining body weights as recommended.
- Exercises can be better a measure in tracking weight gains and maintaining desirable body Weights During Pregnancy. According to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (RCOG), the weight-bearing exercises during pregnancy may reduce the length of labor and decrease delivery complications.
- If you are underweight or you have a low birth weight baby, immediately consult the doctor.
