Weight gain during pregnancy comes from the additional weight of the placenta and the developing fetus. When weight gain is inadequate, the baby may come out Small for Gestational Age (SGA) who may have difficulty in initiating breastfeeding, more prone to illness and may experience developmental delays. On the other hand, too much weight gain produces a large baby which contributes to delivery complications, possible cesarean delivery and increased risk of obesity during childhood. The mother is also at risk of developing Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) and Gestational Hypertension. Too much weight gain will also make it harder and longer to lose weight after pregnancy.
It is important to record your weight and height the moment that you discover that you are pregnant so you may compute your BMI to determine your recommended healthy weight gain. These details will be asked in your first prenatal check-up and our health centers provide FREE prenatal care and counselling which can help you monitor your weight. Here are the steps in determining your recommended weight gain:
1. Measure your weight in kilograms with light clothing early in the morning with no food intake using an accurate bathroom scale or digital scale.
2. Compute your Body Mass Index (BMI) using the formula below or by using this BMI calculator thru this link: https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/adult_bmi/metric_bmi_calculator/bmi_calculator.html
You need your pre-pregnancy weight in kilograms and height in meters to use this formula.
3. Interpret your BMI based on the Asia-Pacific Standards.
4. Determine if your BMI is: (1) Underweight, (2) Normal, (3) Overweight or (4) Obese.
5. Look for your recommended weight gain in the table below:
If you are underweight, this means that your body stores for energy and nutrients are low even before pregnancy and at risk for having a small-for-gestational age baby. Thus, a total weight gain of 28-40 pounds (13-18 kg.) by the end of pregnancy with a weight gain of 1.0 - 1.3 pounds per week by the start of the 2nd to 3rd trimester will help ensure that your baby is getting adequate nutrients and growing well.
On the other hand, if you are overweight or obese, this means that your body stores for energy are already high even before pregnancy and at risk of developing gestational hypertension, diabetes, preeclampsia and if weight gain is not controlled, you may have a large baby which may lead to complications during vaginal delivery. However, dieting to lose weight during pregnancy is not recommended. The goal now is to prevent excessive weight gain. Thus, a total weight gain of 15-25 pounds (7-11 kg.) by the end of pregnancy with a weight gain of 1.0 - 1.3 pounds per week by the start of the 2nd to 3rd trimester will help ensure that your baby is growing well. You must focus on nutrient-dense food, dietary supplements, physical activity and regular prenatal check-up to screen for pregnancy complications and early intervention to reduce delivery complications and improve pregnancy outcomes.
If you are expecting for twins, an average gain of 1.5 pounds per week is recommended. You must focus on energy-dense and nutritious food with dietary supplements during this period.
Another tool you may use to determine your recommended weight based on gestational age is the Magbitang weight-for-height table by week of pregnancy for Filipinos which can be accessed through this link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3382563/ .
Whatever tool you use, it is recommended to have regular prenatal check-ups so your doctor can provide you with a personalized assessment and health plan. Visit our health centers for FREE prenatal checkup and vitamins, mothers classes, counselling and other nutrition services in your community.
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References:
Centers for Disease Control and Intervention (2021). Weight Gain During Pregnancy. Reproductive Health. Centers for Disease Control and Intervention. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/maternalinfanthealth/pregnancy-weight-gain.htm#weight
Cunningham, F.G., Leveno, K.J., Bloom, S.L., Dashe, J.S., Hoffman, B.L., Casey, B.M., Spong, C.Y. (2018). Williams Obstetrics, 25th ed.. USA: McGraw-Hill Education.
Magbitang, J. A., Tangco, J. B., de la Cruz, E. O., Flores, E. G., & Guanlao, F. E. (1988). Weight-for-height as a measure of nutritional status in Filipino pregnant women. Asia-Pacific journal of public health, 2(2), 96–104. https://doi.org/10.1177/101053958800200204
Image Sources:
Article Image: https://drnicolerankins.com/episode41/
BMI Calculator: https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/adult_bmi/metric_bmi_calculator/bmi_calculator.html
BMI Formula: https://sites.google.com/site/fitsl1mcyberjaya/bmi-calculation
Asia-Pacific BMI Classification: https://www.asean-endocrinejournal.org/index.php/JAFES/article/view/80/381
Weight Gain During Pregnancy: https://www.abclawcenters.com/practice-areas/birth-injury-prevention/obesity-during-pregnancy-birth-injury-lawyer-newborn-brain-damage/
