Weight Gain in Pregnancy

I check your weight at your booking visit and then each month during the pregnancy.  

I calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI) at booking.  BMI is your weight in kg divided by your height in metres divided by your height in metres again.  A normal BMI is 19-25

If your BMI is very low, your baby may not put on enough weight, so we may need to monitor the baby’s growth.

If your BMI is very high it is difficult to assess growth during pregnancy and fetal wellbeing during labour.  You may need extra ultrasound scans and extra monitoring during pregnancy.

Most women gain 10-14 kg during the pregnancy.  If you gain a lot more than that then there is an increase in risk of diabetes in pregnancy.  It is also much harder to lose the weight after the baby is born

If your BMI is above 25 you should aim to restrict your weight gain as follows:

BMI 25-30: 7-10 kg weight gain
BMI 30-35: 4-7 kg weight gain
BMI 35-40: 0-4 kg weight gain
BMI >40: 0 kg weight gain

The best way to control your weight in pregnancy is a regular, balanced diet, high in complex carbohydrates, fibre and protein, and low in sugars and fats, high volumes of water, and 20-30 minutes of planned, physical exercise per day, of at least moderate intensity.

If beneficial, I shall refer you to a dietitian during pregnany.