GotoMyDoc - Pregnancy - Mom's Diet

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Mom's diet & exercise

Healthy weight gain

Thirty years ago, the National Research Council's Food and Nutrition Board advised women to gain 20-25 pounds during pregnancy. Studies have since shown that underweight women, or those who gain fewer than 20 pounds during pregnancy, are at an increased risk of delivering low-birth-weight babies. Based on a 1990 study, IOM now recommends a weight gain of 25-35 pounds during a normal pregnancy to decrease this risk. Adolescents and black women, who often have smaller babies, are now strongly advised to gain a greater amount. Check with your physician for latest information. The recommended increase in weight gain does not give a green light for mothers-to-be to overeat. Although the extra nutrients are required, an increase of only 300 calories per day is recommended. Weight gain during pregnancy should be gradual.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends 3-4 pounds in the first three months and 3-4 pounds per month during the rest of the pregnancy. Approximately 6-8 pounds of the total weight is the baby, and the remaining weight consists of an increased fluid volume, larger breasts and uterus, amniotic fluid, and placenta.

To learn more about the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, click here .