A balanced diet for a pregnant woman is a necessary condition for the full development of the unborn child. Stick to the golden mean: overeating is just as dangerous as limiting calories. How can you control your weight while expecting a baby on your own?
The pregnancy weight gain calculator is a convenient online tool for a woman expecting a baby. Thanks to our counter, you will be able to understand whether your increase meets medical standards, whether you should change your daily diet and consult a gynecologist.
Result: You should have gained 0.5 kg and weigh approximately 50.5 kg
Pregnancy: answers to frequently asked questions
Due to lack of time among doctors, or due to some other reasons, certain points still remain not fully clarified. We will try to highlight some questions the answers to which may interest you.
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Weight gain throughout pregnancy
According to domestic recommendations, it is permissible to gain 8-12 kg, according to US standards - 11-17 kg.
During routine examinations in the third trimester, doctors use a special scale, according to which weekly weight gain should not exceed 22 g for every 10 cm of height.
Examples: acceptable weekly weight gain for a height of 150 cm is 330 g, for a height of 160 cm - 352 g, and for a height of 180 cm - 400 g.
Weight after childbirth
Typically, after 6 weeks, women weigh about 6 kg more than before giving birth, after 6 months - only 1 kg.
However, we must not forget that each organism has its own metabolism. Therefore, some lucky women manage to quickly return to their original pre-pregnancy weight. Other women make efforts to lose weight and regain their previous shape.
On a note
The given values are approximate and depend on many factors: body weight before pregnancy, the presence of certain diseases in the woman, the number of fetuses, etc.
Fat before and after conception
Both excess and deficiency of adipose tissue can significantly affect a woman’s ability to conceive. Obesity is a serious problem in infertility. It is known that excess body weight leads to disruption of egg maturation, interferes with ovulation, leading to menstrual irregularities and infertility. At the same time, excessive weight loss with a decrease in the specific gravity of fat to 13% leads to disruption of the synthesis of sex hormones and, as a consequence, amenorrhea (absence of menstruation).
The percentage of fat in the female body is much higher than that of men: it is 20-29% of body weight versus 18-20% in the stronger sex.
When pregnancy has already occurred, conditions are created for the additional development of fatty tissue, the biological meaning of which is to protect the fertilized egg and the fetal sac. The deposition of adipose tissue mainly occurs in the area of the mammary glands, buttocks, thighs and abdomen. To ensure the survival of the fetus and mother in case of unforeseen circumstances (the onset of famine), it is necessary to create fat reserves . Every woman’s body is evolutionarily tuned to this, and you shouldn’t fight it.
Body mass index (BMI) and pregnancy
BMI is a value that helps assess the degree to which our body weight and height correspond, allowing us to indirectly determine whether we are underweight, normal or overweight.
The calculation is carried out using the formula: weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. Example: height - 164 cm, weight - 72. We square the height: 1.64 × 1.64 = 2.6896. Next, divide 72 by 2.6896 = 27.769 (BMI).
Explanation of the results obtained:
* BMI less than 18.5 – underweight;
* 18.5 to 24.9 - normal weight;
* from 25 to 30 - excessive;
* over 30 - obesity (I degree - 30–34.9, II degree - 35–39.9, III degree - more than 40).
Baby
The 17th week of pregnancy is marked for the baby by an active increase in the mass of his muscles, their gradual strengthening, which allows him to move in the tummy more intensely and variedly. Quite frequent movements of the limbs help the child train muscles and also develop the joints of the knees and elbows. At this stage, the hands are still clenched into fists, rarely unclenched, and only for the purpose of grasping the umbilical cord or sucking a finger. Until 17 weeks, the fetal head was practically motionless, dropped quite low, and the chin was tightly attached to the chest. Strengthening the muscles of the back and cervical region at this stage allows the child to raise his head to an almost vertical position.
Internal organs continue to develop and improve. Their structure only becomes more complex, which contributes to the expansion of functionality. Their preparation will allow you to begin normal, full functioning after the baby is born.
It is important to note the changes that occur in the vascular system and heart of the fetus. The nerve plexuses that surround the heart give rise to the formation of the conduction system; Its uniqueness lies in the fact that the heart does not need signals from the outside to work. All human internal organs obey the central nervous system. The brain sends certain instructions according to which each of the organs works. The heart, in turn, functions with the help of command signals that arise within itself and cause it to contract. The exclusively autonomous mode of operation of the heart allows it to be independent of the level of central nervous system activity throughout a person’s life.
The 17th week of pregnancy is also characterized by the formation of the respiratory system, namely, the strengthening of the lung muscles. Active respiratory contractions resemble inhalation and exhalation and thereby strengthen the muscles of the chest. The formation of the alveolar apparatus of the lungs also occurs. Alveoli are presented in the human body in the form of small bubbles, which are located on the surface of the respiratory apparatus and are responsible for gas exchange. Each breath helps saturate the blood with oxygen. At the 17th week, the alveoli are in a compressed state, but immediately after birth, with the first breath, they will straighten out and be ready for normal functioning.
The weight of the fetus at this stage is about 150 g, and the body length is 12-13 cm.
Which doctors should I go to during pregnancy?
By registering with a gynecologist, in addition to the standard scope of research, you receive referrals to visit doctors of other specialties. It would seem that this is unnecessary fuss and a waste of time. After all, you are preparing to become a mother, and not sick! In fact, this is far from the case.
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Why do you need to know your BMI?
Based on the values, the daily number of calories that must be consumed in order to maintain weight within certain limits is calculated.
Recommendations for weight gain depending on BMI before pregnancy (tables)
In singleton pregnancy
| BMI less than 18.5 | During the entire pregnancy it is allowed to gain 12.5-18 kg | In the II and III trimesters - 510 g per week |
| BMI 18.5−24.9 | Throughout pregnancy - 11.5−16 kg | In the II and III trimesters - an average of 420 g per week |
| BMI from 25 to 29.9 | Throughout pregnancy - 7–11 kg | In the II and III trimesters - an average of 320 g per week |
| BMI over 30 | During the entire pregnancy - maximum 5-9 kg | In the II and III trimesters - 220 g per week. |
During pregnancy with twins
| BMI from 18.5 to 24.9 | 17–25 kg - throughout pregnancy |
| BMI from 25 to 29.9 | 14–23 kg - throughout pregnancy |
| BMI over 30 | 11–19 kg - throughout pregnancy |
Table of weight gain during pregnancy by week depending on BMI
| Gestation period | Body mass index before pregnancy | ||
| less than 18.5 | from 18.5 to 24.9 | from 25 and more than 30 | |
| Body mass | |||
| 4 weeks | up to 0.9 kg | up to 0.7 kg | up to 0.5 kg |
| 6 weeks | up to 1.4 kg | up to 1 kg | up to 0.6 kg |
| 8 weeks | up to 1.6 kg | up to 1.2 kg | up to 0.7 kg |
| 10 weeks | up to 1.8 kg | up to 1.3 kg | up to 0.8 kg |
| 12 weeks | up to 2 kg | up to 1.5 kg | up to 1 kg |
| 14 weeks | 0.5-2.7 kg | 0.5-2 kg | 0.5-1.2 |
| 16 weeks | up to 3.6 kg | up to 3 kg | up to 1.4 kg |
| 18 weeks | up to 4.6 kg | up to 4 kg | up to 2.3 kg |
| 20 weeks | up to 6 kg | up to 5.9 kg | up to 2.9 kg |
| 22 weeks | up to 7.2 kg | up to 7 kg | up to 3.4 kg |
| 24 weeks | up to 8.6 kg | up to 8.5 kg | up to 3.9 kg |
| 26 weeks | up to 10 kg | up to 10 kg | up to 5 kg |
| 28 weeks | up to 13 kg | up to 11 kg | up to 5.4 kg |
| 30 weeks | up to 14 kg | up to 12 kg | up to 5.9 kg |
| 32 weeks | up to 15 kg | up to 13 kg | up to 6.4 kg |
| 34 weeks | up to 16 kg | up to 14 kg | up to 7.3 kg |
| 36 weeks | up to 17 kg | up to 15 kg | up to 7.9 kg |
| 38 weeks | up to 18 kg | up to 16 kg | up to 8.6 kg |
| 40 weeks | up to 18 kg | up to 16 kg | up to 9.1 kg |
Important!
Weight during pregnancy is a roughly approximate unit. “Jumps” during the week can be either up or down. Therefore, when assessing body weight, it is necessary to take into account the overall picture (edema, high blood pressure, etc.), focusing on all indicators during the month.
On a note
* If your BMI is less than 18.5, it is recommended to postpone pregnancy until you gain normal body weight, since in 20% of cases low birth weight babies are born. However, if pregnancy does occur, the expectant mother has the right to gain a few extra pounds.
* Failure to comply with generally accepted recommendations increases the risk of pregnancy complications, certain diseases in the mother and disorders in the development of the fetus.
Optimal amount of fat tissue
Human adipose tissue can rightfully be called one of the largest endocrine organs . Several decades ago, it was discovered that it is capable of synthesizing steroid hormones, including estrogens. In postmenopause, adipose tissue becomes practically the only source of estrogens - the main female sex hormones.
Fat is a metabolically active formation that constantly interacts with all body systems. During puberty, a girl experiences a sharp increase in the proportion of adipose tissue. So, for the first menstruation to appear, a girl must accumulate at least 17% fat. Not long ago, two important hormones produced by adipose tissue were discovered - leptin and ghrelin , which are directly involved in the formation and regulation of menstrual function.
To maintain normal body weight, adipose tissue and the brain exchange complex hormonal signals that affect appetite, food absorption, energy expenditure and weight.
The hormonal balance in the body can be indirectly judged by the ratio of waist to hip sizes. An indicator of 0.68-0.7 is considered optimal for a woman. These are signs of a “correct” figure, and they tell doctors that this woman’s metabolism (mainly estrogen levels) is normal. Therefore, a change in the amount or disturbance in the distribution of adipose tissue indicates one or another hormonal disorder.
Excess weight: where is the danger?
The reason is not always just overeating. Often, several kilograms above the norm are serious “bells” indicating that not everything is in order with the health of the mother or baby.
What affects weight gain
1. Age: the older the woman, the higher the tendency to be overweight.
2. Weight loss in the first months of pregnancy due to toxicosis leads to the fact that as the period increases, the expectant mother’s body tries to make up for what was lost, so the woman often overeats.
3. Multiple pregnancy.
4. Polyhydramnios occurs in certain conditions:
* diabetes mellitus, both an independent disease and one that developed during pregnancy (gestational diabetes mellitus);
* intrauterine infection: candida, staphylococci and streptococci, TORC infection and others;
* severe form of hemolytic disease of newborns - when the mother’s immune system “does not recognize” the Rh and/or blood type of the fetus, and therefore begins to destroy the baby’s red blood cells.
Jaundice of newborns. Dangerous and non-dangerous jaundice
5. Edema/fluid retention in the body often occurs with gestosis, which poses a threat to both mother and baby. The functioning of vital organs and uteroplacental blood flow are disrupted, placental abruption and other complications are possible. Main manifestations: edema, high blood pressure and protein in the urine.
Preeclampsia in pregnant women
What are the dangers of being overweight?
The risk of developing certain diseases increases. Curvy expectant mothers run the risk of developing hemorrhoids, varicose veins, high blood pressure, radiculitis (back pain), diabetes and other ailments.
In addition, with excess weight, the fetus is often large, the tissues lose elasticity due to the accumulation of fat and retained fluid. As a result, childbirth is often difficult.
What to do if a pregnant woman’s weight does not meet the norm?
If excessive or slight weight gain is diagnosed, inpatient treatment is indicated. A gentle diet will be selected for the patient, taking into account the state of health and characteristics of pregnancy.
If you are overweight, you should temporarily limit high-calorie, salty, and fatty foods. Drinking regime is limited - up to 1.5 liters of water per day. You can take medications as prescribed by your doctor. Walks in the fresh air are recommended, and you should regularly do gymnastics to prepare for childbirth.
If you need to gain weight, doctors select a high-calorie diet and prescribe vitamins to stimulate appetite. When weight is not gained, treatment for relapses of chronic diseases and taking medications to alleviate toxicosis are possible.
Abnormal weight gain requires medical supervision. The following activities are carried out:
- prevention of miscarriage - taking progesterone up to 16 weeks;
- blood sugar control (before week 16), glucose tolerance test (after week 23);
- urinalysis to exclude pyelonephritis;
- prevention of exacerbations of hypertension and gestosis;
- fetal weight control.
Baby
The body length of the baby at this stage is 28 cm, and the weight is about 340 g. Before this week of pregnancy, the length of the fetus was measured by calculating its length from the crown to the tailbone. After the 20th week, the specialist includes in the concept of growth the length of not only the body, but also the lower limbs.
At this stage of development, the child is quite active, makes numerous movements, since there is enough space in the uterus for him to somersault, push off from the walls, as well as other movements. The baby may smile, grasp the umbilical cord, touch himself, frown, and close his eyes. His facial expressions are quite developed and more pronounced than before.
The skin becomes dense, actively covered with vellus hairs and special lubricant. A large amount of this lubricant is found in the folds. This lubricant prevents the risk of mechanical friction, has bactericidal properties, and ensures optimal passage of the fetus through the mother's birth canal during childbirth.
It is impossible not to note the intensive development of the gastrointestinal tract. Small portions of amniotic fluid, which the child swallows, wash the walls of the intestines and stomach, lead to peristalsis training, and promote intestinal contraction.
At the 20th week, amniotic fluid is processed. The first stool formed in the child’s body is meconium. It has a dark green color. It consists of mucus, water, epithelial cells, and bile. Meconium accumulates in the intestinal lumen. On the first day of birth, it comes out.
Future mom
This week, some mothers feel the first movements of their baby. Most often, women for whom this is the first child can feel fetal movements at 19-20 weeks. At earlier stages, namely, at 16-18 weeks, those women who already have their own children, and who are also quite thin with a slight layer of fat under the skin, notice movement.
At the first stages, the movements will be rather weak, brief and episodic, but after a short period of time they will become more distinct and more frequent. The nature of the shocks can be different:
- touching;
- light tremors;
- twitching;
- rolling.
For a woman, the first kicks of her baby are very expected. This is an exciting moment that will allow the expectant mother to remember these pleasant sensations with trepidation, and also as proof of her connection with the child. At the 18th week, the baby’s movements are quite chaotic, varied and appear while the baby is awake. With emotional stress, they can become more intense. Also, the child may report an insufficient amount of oxygen, which occurs due to the woman’s lack of movement, insufficient time spent outdoors, as well as being in the same position for a long time (driving a vehicle, at work). Most of the time at this stage of development the fetus sleeps.
