Weight gain during pregnancy - the average rate

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Your pregnancy weight gain depends on your height and weight before pregnancy, so the average rate can vary significantly between individuals. Regardless of this you must accept that you will put on weight over the coming weeks and months. The extra weight is necessary for a healthy pregnancy and baby, so even if you have struggled with your weight in the past, this is not something to worry about nor the time to diet.

Normal pregnancy weight gain is calculated using your body mass index (BMI) before pregnancy. BMI is gauged by dividing the square of your height in meters by your weight in kilos. A woman with an average BMI (19.8 to 26) before pregnancy should gain between 11.5kg and 16kg (25 to 35lb) during her pregnancy. If you were underweight before conceiving, with a BMI less than 19.8, you should aim for a weight gain of between 12.5kg and 18kg (28 to 40lb). If you were overweight before becoming pregnant (with a BMI above 26) you should gain between 7kg and 11.5kg (15 to 25lb). If you are expecting twins the weight gain in any of these cases will be larger - speak to your health care professional about this.

Women who are overweight should try to limit their weight gain during pregnancy to reduce the possibility of high blood pressure and a difficult birth due to a large baby. Getting professional advice on a normal, well-balanced diet is advisable as it is essential that the baby receives proper nourishment as this time.

You shouldn't expect too much pregnancy weight gain during the first trimester especially if morning sickness means you are not eating much. During these 13 weeks most women only gain two to five pounds. The second and third trimester see rapid growth of the baby and you can expect to gain about a pound for each week of pregnancy as a general rule.

In total, the weight of the baby, placenta, amniotic fluid and extra body fluids will add up to between 17 and 26 pounds. An average baby weighs between seven and eight pounds, the extra tissues and body fluids add up to another eight to 12 pounds, and the enlarged uterus and breasts another four to six pounds.

After the birth of your baby you will lose a large proportion of your total weight gain. The extra fat laid down to help with breastfeeding will be harder to shift however. Feeding your baby yourself is the most efficient way to get rid of the extra fat. Add some regular exercise and a healthy diet and you should be back to your original weight within a few months. Remember, it took nine months to accumulate your pregnancy weight gain; don't expect it to disappear immediately.

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