Pregnancy Weight Gain: Top 10 Questions Answered

Question 1: How is BMI related to weight gain during pregnancy?

Weight gain during pregnancy partly also depends on the BMI, which the expectant mother has before or at the very beginning of the pregnancy (early pregnancy). The BMI is the Body Mass Index and describes the relationship between weight and height. However, the BMI is only a rough guideline that does not take into account many factors such as stature, gender, age, or the composition of fat and muscle tissue.

The BMI provides the midwife or gynecologist with information about what is happening in the desired weight gain during individual pregnancy Women with a normal weight have a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m². A BMI below 18.5 kg/m² is considered underweight, while over 25 kg/m² is considered slightly overweight. A BMI of 30 kg/m² or more indicates obesity, meaning severe overweight.

As a rule, the weight of a pregnant woman is checked at each examination. So if one weighs more or less at the beginning of pregnancy, it will have an impact on the desired weight gain. The recommendations of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) are:

Question 2: What is the distribution of weight during pregnancy?

Understanding weight distribution during pregnancy is important, as numerous kilos do not come from overeating. Many pregnant women are worried about gaining too much weight, but a certain amount of weight gain is completely normal and is due to various factors such as the baby itself, the growing uterus, and fluids like amniotic fluid or other tissue fluids. The weight gain during pregnancy is composed as follows:

Baby Approximately 3 - 3.8 kg.

Uterus Approximately 1 - 1.3 kg

Placenta Approximately 0.6 - 0.8 kg.

Amniotic fluid Approximately 1.3 kg

Breast tissue Approximately 0.6 - 1 kg.

Blood volume Approximately 1.3 kg

Depot fat Approximately 1.7 - 2 kg.

Interstitial fluid Approximately 2 - 2.5 kg

From the above mentioned average values results in a total weight gain of approximately 12 to 14 kilograms. That's not really little you think? That's true, but this distribution does make sense. For example, the increased blood volume and fluid retention are there to always supply the fetus with enough fluid and to compensate for acute blood loss such as during childbirth. The fat reserves are for preparing for breastfeeding.

Question 3: Weight gain during pregnancy: What is the exact progression from week 1 to 40 and when does weight gain occur during pregnancy?

The average weight gain During pregnancy, it is approximately 12 to 14 kilograms. However, the weight gain varies depending on the trimester of pregnancy. The timing of weight gain during pregnancy depends on several factors. Many pregnant women struggle with nausea in the first trimester and may even lose weight instead of gaining during the first trimester. In the first trimester, the fetus is barely visible, but this changes in the second and third trimesters. From week 13 onwards, in the second trimester of pregnancy, the fetus grows significantly, blood volume slowly increases, and the body retains more water.

During pregnancy, the increase in weight is generally referred to as the so-called "weight curve". Based on the weight curve one can determine how fast and how much a woman has gained weight during pregnancy. As a rule of thumb: The weight should increase as evenly as possible. Nevertheless, it is often the case that pregnant women gain a little less weight in the first trimester and a bit more in the third trimester.

Average weight gain during pregnancy per month/week:

In which week does the belly grow the most?

From the 3rd trimester onwards, women gain approximately 2 kilograms per month. This is due, among other things, to various water retention in the arms, legs, abdomen, etc., and the increasing blood volume. The baby also now needs more space in the abdomen. The abdomen alone grows the most in the 2nd trimester, roughly from the 16th to the 25th week of pregnancy, with often another significant growth spurt towards the end of pregnancy.

Question 4: How much weight do you gain with twins?

The average values mentioned are to be understood as recommendations and apply only if a woman is pregnant with a single baby. Different values apply for twin or multiple pregnancies. Weight gain is higher here, because more blood, more amniotic fluid, etc. must be present. Of course, the weight of the additional baby also plays a role, with babies in twin/multiple pregnancies generally being somewhat smaller and lighter. In general, it is assumed that pregnant women with twins have a weight gain of approximately 15 to 20 kilograms.

Question 5: Significant vs. minor weight gain - What are the respective risks?

First of all: only the number on the scale is not crucial for a normal pregnancy and a healthy baby. Much more important are a balanced diet and plenty of exercise (as far as possible). Nevertheless, there are certain risks associated with excessive or insufficient weight gain during pregnancy.

Very low or no weight gain during pregnancy

Greater deviations from the recommended values downwards can be signs of possible complications, such as maternal illnesses, malnutrition, or fetal growth restriction. Being underweight also poses an additional risk for preterm birth. Underweight can also lead to a insufficient supply of important nutrients lead. All of this often results in a low birth weight. If your baby is not gaining weight or gaining very little weight, make sure to talk to your gynecologist or midwife about it.

Very high or rapid weight gain during pregnancy

A significant increase in body weight is a common reason for a increased birth weight of the child. With a birth weight of over 4 kilograms, complications during birth and later health problems can occur.^1.With high and rapid weight gain, there is also a risk for the expectant mother. Gestational diabetes If your weight curve increases very rapidly or significantly (approximately 1 kg per week), please consult your doctor.

Attention: One should never go on a diet during pregnancy. It is much better to have a balanced diet and get enough exercise.

Question 6: What is a normal weight gain during pregnancy?

A normal weight gain during pregnancy is based on the pre-pregnancy weight. Women of normal weight should gain around 11.5 to 16 kilograms during pregnancy. Values are merely recommendations and every woman/every pregnancy is very individual. The most important thing is eating healthily during pregnancy. You should eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, as they provide nutrients for both mother and child. important nutrients.

An increase of significantly more kilos can also be completely normal. Especially in the summer months, a weight gain of up to 20 kilograms in total is not uncommon, because the body retains much more water than in autumn/winter. Also:

"The individual is not the average."

Question 7: Excessive weight gain during pregnancy: Should one eat for two during pregnancy or not?

No, you should not eat for two. Caloric needs of pregnant women increased by about 250 kcal/day in the 2nd trimester and 500 kcal/day in the 3rd trimester. On the other hand, however, the nutrient requirements significantly increased. Therefore, the German Nutrition Society (DGE) also advises women who are planning to become pregnant, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers to take certain nutrients such as folic acid deliberately.

Question 8: What is the nutrient requirement during pregnancy?

In relation to the calorie requirement, the nutrient requirements during pregnancy are much higher. Many micronutrients, vitamins, and trace elements, such as folic acid, iron, and iodine, have a additional need. Therefore, proper nutrition is especially important. Foods with high nutrient density such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, etc. are a good choice to ensure an adequate intake of nutrients through diet.

Question 9: How many kilograms should one have gained by the 5th month?

If you're in the 20th week of pregnancy or at the end of the 5th month, you should approximately have a weight gain og 3 to 5 kilograms. Women who struggle with severe pregnancy nausea tend to gain less weight at the beginning. Our tip: Eat smaller portions. These are especially recommended for pregnant women experiencing nausea.

Question 10: What can be done to avoid gaining too much weight during pregnancy?

To avoid gaining too much weight during pregnancy, one should focus on a pay attention to healthy nutrition and sufficient exercise. An increase of 20 to 30 kilograms is more common when pregnant women eat too much and very unhealthily. Snacks, sweets, etc. are of course allowed, but should be eaten in moderation. If you only eat when you are hungry and also move a bit, for example by taking a daily walk, you will not gain too much weight.

Our tips for a healthy weight gain during pregnancy

You can achieve a healthy weight gain during pregnancy by following these 5 tips:

• 1. Tip Eating the rainbow: Nutrition should be as colorful, varied, and balanced as possible.

• 2. Tip Pay attention to the calories when drinking: Choose preferably calorie- and sugar-free drinks and drink enough.

• 3. Tip Opt for plant-based foods: The German Nutrition Society (DGE) also recommends consuming three servings of vegetables and two servings of fruit per day during pregnancy.

• 4. Tip Save on animal-based foods: Incorporate milk and dairy products as well as meat, sausage, fish, and eggs into your diet strategically and do not consume them daily.

• 5. Tip Enjoy unhealthy foods in moderation: This refers, for example, to sweets, processed foods, and fats high in saturated fatty acids.