How much weight gain during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, we must gain weight as regularly as possible and increase gradually until the baby arrives. As for the number of kilos, it all depends on our pre-pregnancy weight. A subject to discuss from your first appointments with our gynecologist or our midwife.

One kilo per month in the first trimester, more afterwards

During the first trimester of pregnancy, it is advisable to gain a maximum of one kilo per month. But the weight gain may be less or no in those who suffer from nausea and severe vomiting. This has no effect on the fetus. On the other hand, if these disorders are too severe, medical treatment, or even hospitalization, may be necessary.

Au second trimester of pregnancy, weight gain can increase to 1,5 kg per month, not really more. During the last quarter, the baby’s needs are skyrocketing! We then have more appetite: the “authorized” weight gain is then 2 kg per month.

The ideal average weight gain in pregnant women according to the BMI

The recommended weight gain is not the same for everyone! If we are very thin we can – we will even have to – gain more weight than if we are round or really overweight, in order to build up the fat and protein reserves that are lacking. The recommendations for weight gain during pregnancy vary from 5 to 18 kg depending on the BMI of the mother-to-be!

To find out your “ideal” weight gain, calculate your BMI (Body Mass Index), at the very beginning of pregnancy or just before getting pregnant. You will obtain the corresponding value by dividing your weight (in kg) by your height² (in m).

Example: you weigh 57 kg for 1,65 m, your BMI is 57 / 1,65² = 20,9.

We generally recommend a weight gain of 12,5 to 18 kg for women with a low BMI (less than 20), between 11,5 and 16 kg for women with a “normal” BMI (between 20 and 26 for a woman at the very beginning of pregnancy), between 7 and 11,5 kg for overweight or obese women (BMI between 26 and 29), or even less if the BMI exceeds 29 kg / m2.

Placenta, baby, amniotic fluid: the distribution of the pounds of pregnancy

For a total weight gain of between 12 and 13 kg, it is estimated that 4,5 kg corresponds to the weight of the baby, the placenta and amniotic liquid. Body fat reserves are equivalent to 4 kg. The increase in blood volume and water retention amount to 2,4 kg, and the increase in the volume of Seins and uterus to 1,5 kg.

Weight and pregnancy: the risks of excess weight

You are at + 4 kg and you are not even in the third month? OK. Do not panic. A food error is always correctable. But you have to do it in time to avoid minor inconveniences. Indeed, too much weight gain can result in high blood pressure, a Gestational Diabetes, and a larger than average baby, which can complicate the delivery, in particular forcing to have a Caesarean. Without forgetting that the “extra” pounds, difficult to lose after pregnancy, are not necessarily good for morale … If this is your case, consult your gynecologist or your midwife, who will direct you to a dietician, to gently rebalance your diet.

Weight and pregnancy: the risks of insufficient weight gain

Some women do not get enough nutrition during their pregnancy. The risk is not on the side of the baby, who in any case will draw on his mother’s reserves (however meager they may be!). the risk is rather on the side of the mother, who can develop deficiencies. If you can’t gain weight, talk to your doctor or midwife!

How to limit your weight gain? Our advices

Beware of fast sugars

Bad news ! Chocolate, cakes and other sweets must stay in the cupboard… In case of small hunger pangs, consume dried fruits, already dosed so as not to fall into the package: “A dozen hazelnuts or almonds and two or three dried apricots”. And why not rice cakes topped with dark chocolate or organic cookies, much less sweet and fatty than their equivalent?

Dairy products

Some dairy products may be better tolerated than others by expectant mothers. If you suffer from stomach acid, reduce your yogurt intake to one per day. If necessary, replace it with a petit-suisse or cheese type Comté or Parmesan, paying attention to the proportions: fatter than yogurt, do not exceed 15 or 20 g per serving. For those of you who have had difficulty digesting milk since you were expecting Baby, consider vegetable juices (almonds, soybeans, etc.).

To consume without moderation

The fruits, to avoid bloating (unless your doctor advises you in moderation, in the case of gestational diabetes in particular), and water, to prevent fluid retention.

Treat yourself too …

Gluttony is not necessarily a sin, even while waiting for Baby … Make a reservation on Sunday for the croissant or pain au chocolat for breakfast. And, if it’s summer, allow yourself to fall for a sorbet at snack time, from time to time: indulging yourself is important!

Don’t forget to play sports!

Your big bottle is no excuse for workouts. Walking, swimming, training bike… gentle exercises are good for you! Be careful, however, to preserve the baby and its implantation during the first two months of pregnancy.