Weight gain during pregnancy is not just about the weight of the baby. The body gains weight due to many variables necessary for the baby’s development, such as the placenta, amniotic fluid, increased blood volume, milk glands and fat stores. This is a natural and necessary process.

How Much Weight Should I Gain?

The amount of weight to be gained varies according to the mother’s pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI). General recommendations are as follows:

• Those with normal BMI (18.5-24.9): 9-14 kg
• Those with low BMI (<8.5): 12-18 kg
• Those with high BMI (25-29.9): 7-11 kg
• Those with BMI obese (≥30): 5-9 kg

It should be noted that these values are average ranges. Personal medical conditions and the number of babies (such as a twin pregnancy) can affect weight goals.

Risks of Being Underweight

Inadequate weight gain can pose risks for both mother and baby:

• Low birth weight of the baby
  
• Retarded development of internal organs
  
• Risk of premature birth
  
• Vitamin and mineral deficiencies in the expectant mother
  

These conditions can affect the baby’s development and increase the likelihood of postnatal health problems.

Risks of Being Overweight

Excessive weight gain can also make pregnancy and delivery more difficult:

• The risk of developing gestational diabetes (gestational diabetes mellitus) increases.
• Increased likelihood of high blood pressure and preeclampsia
• May lead to a decrease in the chance of vaginal delivery and an increase in the frequency of cesarean delivery
• There may be a risk of delivering a large baby (macrosomia).
• Postpartum weight gain can become permanent
• Back and joint pain may increase in the expectant mother

How to Achieve Healthy Weight Gain?

To achieve balance, you can pay attention to the following recommendations:

• Eat 3 main meals + 4 snacks
• Avoid processed foods and refined sugar
  
• Choose protein, fiber, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates
  
• Drink at least 3-3.5 liters of water a day
  
• Do as much physical activity (e.g. walking) as recommended by the doctor
  
• Monitor weight gain regularly (with a doctor’s check-up every month)

Conclusion

Weight gain during pregnancy is a natural process, but when uncontrolled, it can pose health risks. Neither too little nor too much… The target weight of each expectant mother may be different. For this reason, weight should be monitored with regular doctor control throughout pregnancy and a balanced lifestyle should be adopted.

Remember, healthy weight gain is important for both you and your baby’s future.