Q: When does pregnancy weight gain start?

Most weight gain occurs in the second and third trimesters. In the first trimester, you might gain 1-2 kg total. From the second trimester onwards, expect to gain about 0.5 kg per week for normal weight women.

Q: Is it safe to diet during pregnancy?

It is not recommended to diet or try to lose weight during pregnancy. Even if you are overweight, your body needs adequate nutrition for your baby's growth. Focus on eating nutritious foods and staying active. Speak to your healthcare provider about healthy eating plans.

Q: Where does pregnancy weight gain go?

A typical breakdown: baby (3-3.5 kg), placenta (0.7 kg), amniotic fluid (0.8 kg), increased blood volume (1.2 kg), uterus growth (0.9 kg), breast tissue (0.5 kg), fat stores for breastfeeding (2-4 kg), and extra fluids (1.5 kg).

Question 1

How much weight should I gain during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Weight gain recommendations depend on your pre-pregnancy BMI. Underweight women (BMI < 18.5) should gain 12.5-18 kg, normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9) should gain 11.5-16 kg, overweight (BMI 25-29.9) should gain 7-11.5 kg, and obese (BMI 30+) should gain 5-9 kg.

Question 2

When does pregnancy weight gain start?

Accepted Answer

Most weight gain occurs in the second and third trimesters. In the first trimester, you might gain 1-2 kg total. From the second trimester onwards, expect to gain about 0.5 kg per week for normal weight women.

Question 3

Is it safe to diet during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

It is not recommended to diet or try to lose weight during pregnancy. Even if you are overweight, your body needs adequate nutrition for your baby's growth. Focus on eating nutritious foods and staying active. Speak to your healthcare provider about healthy eating plans.

Question 4

Where does pregnancy weight gain go?

Accepted Answer

A typical breakdown: baby (3-3.5 kg), placenta (0.7 kg), amniotic fluid (0.8 kg), increased blood volume (1.2 kg), uterus growth (0.9 kg), breast tissue (0.5 kg), fat stores for breastfeeding (2-4 kg), and extra fluids (1.5 kg).

BMI Category	BMI Range	Recommended Gain
Underweight	< 18.5	12.5 - 18 kg
Normal weight	18.5 - 24.9	11.5 - 16 kg
Overweight	25 - 29.9	7 - 11.5 kg
Obese	≥ 30	5 - 9 kg

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