This can vary, with your original weight before pregnancy being a major factor..
Just how much weight you gain in pregnancy changes from person to person. Most pregnant women can expect to add between 10kg and 12.5kg (22-28lb), with the majority being put on after 20 weeks pregnant.
Much of the added bulk is due to your baby growing, but your body will also be storing fat, ready to make breast milk after the birth.
Putting on either a great amount of, or even very little can lead to health issues for you or your unborn little one.
Gaining too much weight
Gaining a great deal of extra weight can affect your health and also increase your blood pressure. That said, pregnancy is not the time to go on a diet. It’s important you keep to a healthy and balanced diet.
Gaining too much weight can increase your risk of complications. e.g.:
Just how much weight you gain in pregnancy changes from person to person. Most pregnant women can expect to add between 10kg and 12.5kg (22-28lb), with the majority being put on after 20 weeks pregnant.
Much of the added bulk is due to your baby growing, but your body will also be storing fat, ready to make breast milk after the birth.
Putting on either a great amount of, or even very little can lead to health issues for you or your unborn little one.
Gaining too much weight
Gaining a great deal of extra weight can affect your health and also increase your blood pressure. That said, pregnancy is not the time to go on a diet. It’s important you keep to a healthy and balanced diet.
Gaining too much weight can increase your risk of complications. e.g.:
Too much glucose (sugar) in your blood during pregnancy can cause gestational diabetes. This increases your risk of having a large baby, which may mean your labour could be induced or you could have a caesarean section. Your baby may have health problems shortly after birth, such as heart and breathing problems. They may also be at risk of obesity or diabetes later in life. Gestational diabetes also increases the risk of stillbirth.
A rise in blood pressure can be the first sign of pre-eclampsia. Although most cases are mild and cause no trouble, pre-eclampsia can be serious. It can cause fits in the mother (called eclampsia) and affect the baby’s growth. Pre-eclampsia usually happens towards the end of pregnancy but it may happen earlier. It can also happen after the birth. Occasionally, it’s necessary to deliver the baby early by inducing labour or a caesarean section.
Gaining too little weight
Gaining too little weight can cause problems such as early (premature) birth and a baby with a low birth weight (less than 2500g or 5½ lbs at birth). It can also mean that your body is not storing enough fat.
Failing to put weight on can be related to what you eat and weight before you become pregnant.
Not gaining sufficient weight may also be caused by your body not absorbing food properly, e.g., if you have an eating disorder, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia. This may addtionally your risk of anaemia.
However, some naturally skinny ladies stay slim while they’re pregnant and have healthy babies with no complications at all.
Staying active
Try to stay active by keeping up your normal daily activity or exercise (unless you’ve been advised by your midwife or GP not to exercise).
Staying active is important while you’re pregnant as it will help prepare your body for labour and birth.
Advice about your weight
Your doctor or midwife may have tailored for you if you weigh:
More than 100kg (15½ stone)
Less than 50kg (8 stone)
A rise in blood pressure can be the first sign of pre-eclampsia. Although most cases are mild and cause no trouble, pre-eclampsia can be serious. It can cause fits in the mother (called eclampsia) and affect the baby’s growth. Pre-eclampsia usually happens towards the end of pregnancy but it may happen earlier. It can also happen after the birth. Occasionally, it’s necessary to deliver the baby early by inducing labour or a caesarean section.
Gaining too little weight
Gaining too little weight can cause problems such as early (premature) birth and a baby with a low birth weight (less than 2500g or 5½ lbs at birth). It can also mean that your body is not storing enough fat.
Failing to put weight on can be related to what you eat and weight before you become pregnant.
Not gaining sufficient weight may also be caused by your body not absorbing food properly, e.g., if you have an eating disorder, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia. This may addtionally your risk of anaemia.
However, some naturally skinny ladies stay slim while they’re pregnant and have healthy babies with no complications at all.
Staying active
Try to stay active by keeping up your normal daily activity or exercise (unless you’ve been advised by your midwife or GP not to exercise).
Staying active is important while you’re pregnant as it will help prepare your body for labour and birth.
Advice about your weight
Your doctor or midwife may have tailored for you if you weigh:
More than 100kg (15½ stone)
Less than 50kg (8 stone)
Gaining too little weight can cause problems such as early (premature) birth and a baby with a low birth weight (less than 2500g or 5½ lbs at birth). It can also mean that your body is not storing enough fat.
Failing to put weight on can be related to what you eat and weight before you become pregnant.
Not gaining sufficient weight may also be caused by your body not absorbing food properly, e.g., if you have an eating disorder, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia. This may addtionally your risk of anaemia.
However, some naturally skinny ladies stay slim while they’re pregnant and have healthy babies with no complications at all.
Staying active
Try to stay active by keeping up your normal daily activity or exercise (unless you’ve been advised by your midwife or GP not to exercise).
Staying active is important while you’re pregnant as it will help prepare your body for labour and birth.
Advice about your weight
Your doctor or midwife may have tailored for you if you weigh:
More than 100kg (15½ stone)
Less than 50kg (8 stone)
If you’re concerned about your weight or any other aspect of your health when you’re pregnant, ask your midwife or GP for advice.
About the Author:
Failing to put weight on can be related to what you eat and weight before you become pregnant.
Not gaining sufficient weight may also be caused by your body not absorbing food properly, e.g., if you have an eating disorder, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia. This may addtionally your risk of anaemia.
However, some naturally skinny ladies stay slim while they’re pregnant and have healthy babies with no complications at all.
Staying active
Try to stay active by keeping up your normal daily activity or exercise (unless you’ve been advised by your midwife or GP not to exercise).
Staying active is important while you’re pregnant as it will help prepare your body for labour and birth.
Advice about your weight
Your doctor or midwife may have tailored for you if you weigh:
More than 100kg (15½ stone)
Less than 50kg (8 stone)
If you’re concerned about your weight or any other aspect of your health when you’re pregnant, ask your midwife or GP for advice.
About the Author:
Mindful Mum is the lifestyle magazine for mums with help and tools ranging from an ovulation calculator, and pregnancy week by week guides.