A common pregnancy help topic moms-to-be wonder about is how much weight gain is considered “normal.” There is no “one-size-fits-all” answer for every expectant mom. In fact, safe levels of weight gain vary based on several contributing factors, including the woman’s weight before she got pregnant. Dr. Joseph Hazan and his caring staff at Advanced OB-GYN Services in St. Peters and Bridgeton, MO, have delivered over 6,000 babies. To shed light on the topic, they offer some insight into common concerns below.

How Much Weight Should I Gain?

Maintaining a healthy range through pregnancy helps ensure a safe delivery and that your baby is born at an appropriate size. The ideal measure of progress is based on a woman’s preexisting weight, which is calculated using the body mass index (BMI). BMI is a calculation based on a person’s weight to height ratio to determine body fat levels. A healthy BMI falls in the range of 18.5 to 24.9; any figure below this is considered underweight, while a number of 25 or higher is deemed to be overweight.

If you have a healthy BMI, you can expect to gain 25 to 35 pounds before the baby arrives. The progress tends to be gradual through the first trimester, resulting in 3-5 pounds total during this period. Afterward, it’s common to gain roughly 1-2 pounds during the following weeks. Women who are underweight should put on more (up to 40 pounds) to support proper development of their baby, while those who are overweight may need to gain less (15-25 pounds) to avoid health risks for themselves and their child.

How Can I Ensure I’m Gaining Weight Safely?

While weight gain is expected, it’s important to put on pounds the right way. Maintaining a healthy, nutrient-rich diet and a physician-approved fitness routine ensure your body is in optimal shape for supporting fetal health and delivering a baby. While pregnant, most women need to take in 300 more calories per day, but that figure can vary from one individual to the next. If you’re unsure about how to form a healthy eating and exercise plan, ask a doctor for pregnancy help. They’ll tailor recommendations to your lifestyle and medical needs.

With the right diet and exercise, you can gain weight in a way that’s healthy for both you and the baby. As a board-certified OB-GYN with over 30 years of experience, Dr. Hazan supports his patients through every stage of pregnancy and beyond. To schedule an appointment with Advanced OB-GYN Services at their St. Peters location, call (636) 928-1800. Or, arrange a visit to their Bridgeton office by calling (314) 291-2140. You can also find more pregnancy help resources on their website.