Your weight gain during pregnancy month after month
Pregnancy is a period of major physiological changes for women, and weight gain is an integral part of this. In this article, we'll explore how body weight changes month by month during pregnancy and discuss weight gain recommendations for each trimester.
First trimester: the beginnings of pregnancy
During the first trimester, weight gain is usually minimal, often due to morning sickness and hormonal changes. Some women may even lose weight early in pregnancy due to these symptoms. However, a slight weight gain is considered normal, usually between 1 and 2 kilograms.
Second trimester: fetal growth
The second trimester is often called "the golden trimester" because most women feel better and have more energy. This is also a time of rapid growth for the fetus, which can result in greater weight gain for the mother. On average, women gain between 0.5 and 1 kilogram per week during the second trimester.
Third trimester: the last weeks of pregnancy
During the third trimester, the baby continues to gain weight and develop, which can cause additional weight gain for the mother. Most women gain between 0.5 and 1 kilogram per week during this time. By the end of pregnancy, it is common for women to have gained between 10 and 15 kilograms in total.
Individual variations and influential factors
Every woman is different and weight gain during pregnancy can vary greatly from person to person. Factors such as pre-pregnancy weight, height, age and general health can all influence weight gain during pregnancy.
Consequences of excessive or insufficient weight gain
Excessive weight gain during pregnancy can increase the risk of complications for mother and baby, including gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and complications during delivery. Conversely, insufficient weight gain can lead to stunted fetal growth and health problems for the baby. It is therefore important to aim for appropriate weight gain during pregnancy to ensure the health and well-being of both mother and baby.
The distribution of your pregnancy weight
Obviously these numbers can vary from woman to woman, but percentages can help you understand the weight gained on the scale. Here's how the weight of a woman who gained 12.5 kg during a 40-week pregnancy is distributed:
- 5 kg for blood, placenta, uterus and amniotic fluid, providing essential support for fetal development.
- 3.5 kg for the fetus itself, representing the growth and development of the baby throughout the pregnancy.
- 3.5 kg for accumulated fat, a precious energy reserve for the mother and fetus during pregnancy.
- 0.5 kg for increasing breast size, in preparation for breastfeeding and feeding the newborn.
Weight gain during pregnancy is a normal and important process for the baby's development. By eating a diet of whole, unprocessed foods and monitoring your protein ratios, things should normally fall into place very naturally.
