What makes up the extra weight gained whilst pregnant? How much weight should be taken at each stage of pregnancy?

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What makes up the extra weight gained whilst pregnant?

How much weight should your partner gain during her pregnancy?

Exceptions to the general weight gain rules in pregnancy.

What makes up the extra weight gained whilst pregnant?

How much weight should be taken at each stage of pregnancy?

How much weight should be taken at each stage of pregnancy?

Summary of your baby's growth during pregnancy.

When a woman is pregnant and adds to her weight, she is not simply carrying the extra weight of the baby, but also other tissues vital for the pregnancy as well as extra water and blood within her system.

The breakdown of what makes up the most of the weight gain after nine months can be seen below:

the baby accounts for about 7 pounds (3.1 Kg),
the placenta is about 2 pounds (0.9 Kg),
the amniotic fluid is another 2.2 pounds (1 Kg),
the enlarged uterus is 2 pounds (0.9 Kg)
the extra retained fluids, body fats and enlarged breasts make up the other 16 pounds or so (7.2 Kg).

This all ads up to about 29 pounds (13.3 Kg) which is at the upper limit for a woman of a normal weight and height ratio after nine months.

So as you can see, after the birth, within a few weeks of the body returning to a normal schedule and the loss of the extra fluids being carried around, there is not much weight to lose if she wants to return to her original size.

Try out the Weight Gain Calculator

How much weight should be taken at each stage of pregnancy?
In general terms, in the first 13 weeks of pregnancy 5 to 7 pounds is added.

In the middle trimester, 10 to 12 pounds is normal.

In the last trimester 12 to 15 pounds is added.

This allows for a weight gain over the full nine months of between 27 and 34 pounds.

Reader's Contribution:

As you probably already know.... many women also visit your site. I
happen to be an expectant mother who LOVES your site! I especially love your due date calculator and your weight gain calculator. However, under the "breakdown of weight gain" there is a statement saying that 29 lbs. should be the upper limit for a woman beginning at normal weight.

I Disagree - The upper limit for a woman beginning at a normal weight should be 35 pounds. Some women, such as I, never experience morning sickness, and the increase in appetite can easily propel the weight gain in the first trimester. It is perfectly normal and acceptable to gain UP TO 35 pounds if you start out at or near your ideal weight. I just don't want all the new Daddies who visit your site to think that their wife/mate is gaining too much if they gain 30-35 lbs. I am 5'2" and I started off at 120 lbs. This is my 3rd pregnancy and I gained exactly 35 pounds with both prior pregnancies. I have also never experienced morning sickness. I've only experienced; increased need to urinate, extreme fatigue, and a horrendous appetite!! :-)

Thank you so much for your site! I've enjoyed it a great deal so far, and intend to enjoy it more in the future!

Bridgett. (Arkansas)

Reader's Contribution:
With my first one, I was at the low end of the weight gain scale, and I was eating extremely well. A lot of healthy foods, and I stayed away from the bad stuff like sweets. I just wasnt 'craving' them. This pregnancy (I am currently 27 weeks) is a little different. I started off bad with morning sickness and lost 5 lbs in the first trimester. After that I started craving sweets. I gained the 'normal' amount of weight but I did it quite quickly after losing 5 lbs. I am in the 'normal' weight gain range as of right now. I made a decision to curb my poor eating habits and now I eat veggies instead of sugars.

I think the weight gain is a choice each woman has to make. Choose a carrot over a chocolate bar, or maybe some cheese and crackers instead of chips. Think of your baby and his/her needs before your wants.

I started off at 110lbs at 5'3" and am now 127 at 6 months pregnant. As soon as I noticed my weight gain to be rapid I changed my eating habits.

Julie (Ontario, Canada)

If you would like to make a contribution, feel free to e-mail your input.

How much weight should your partner gain during her pregnancy?

Exceptions to the general weight gain rules in pregnancy.

What makes up the extra weight gained whilst pregnant?

How much weight should be taken at each stage of pregnancy?

Summary of your baby's growth during pregnancy.

Try out the Weight Gain Calculator

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