How Do You Have Normal Weight Gain During Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, some women obsess about gaining too much weight while others live by the “eating for two” motto. Research has shown weight gain is crucial for the baby’s health; however, too much weight gain can be harmful to both the baby and mother. Read on for steps you can take to ensure normal weight gain during pregnancy. During your first prenatal appointment, discuss with your doctor or midwife how much weight you should gain for a healthy pregnancy. The Institute of Medicine recommends the following for healthy pregnancy weight gain based on a woman’s pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI): Underweight: Gain 28-40 pounds Normal: Gain 25-35 pounds Overweight: Gain 15-25 pounds Obese: Gain 11-20 pounds Make sure that you’re eating the right amount of calories. Contrary to popular belief, you really don’t need to eat for two during pregnancy. Most women only need to add 300 calories a day to their diet, which is roughly equivalent to a container of yogurt and an apple. Once you’ve
