If you are, then first things first, Congratulations!

Proper weight gain is really important for pregnant women.  You don’t want to gain too much and you don’t want to gain too little.  Keeping with my nutrition motto, everything is okay in moderation, the same is true for weight gain during pregnancy.  The proper weight gain for you will depend on your pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index (BMI).  If you don’t know your BMI, then click here to calculate it.  Make sure you enter your weight before you were pregnant.  Don’t get caught up in the categories, pregnancy is not the time to diet.

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If your BMI is under 18.5, then you need to gain between 28-40 pounds.  A rough guide is 5 pounds during the first trimester, and a little over 1 pound per week after that.  If you are expecting twins, then you should gain 40-60 pounds.

If your BMI is between 18.6-24.9, then you need to gain between 25-35 pounds.  About 2-4 pounds during the first trimester and then a pound a week.  If you are expecting twins, then you should gain 37-54 pounds.

If your BMI is between 25-29.9, then you need to gain between 15-25 pounds.  A rough guide would be 2-4 pounds during the first trimester and then half a pound a week.  If you are expecting twins, then you should gain 31-50 pounds.

If your BMI is over 30, then you need to gain between 11-20 pounds.  About 2-4 pounds during the first trimester and then slightly less than half a pound a week.  If you are expecting twins, then you should gain 25-42 pounds.

Putting on weight slow and steady is best. Some women will have a couple of growth spurts and then level off for a couple of weeks.  This is okay.  It is the overall weight gain that is important.  Proper weight gain is important because if you don’t gain enough weight, then your baby might be too small.  If you gain too much weight, then your baby might come early or be large.  If you gain too much weight you might also have health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and varicose veins.

So, remember that you are eating for two now.  It is no longer just about you. (and will never be again!)  Choose healthy foods and make sure you eat plenty of fruits and veggies.  If your doctor has prescribed a prenatal vitamin, keep taking it.  Make sure you don’t go overboard and gain too much weight.  Pregnancy is an exciting time, I hope you enjoy it!