Gaining weight is a natural part of pregnancy and varies greatly among women.

Most pregnant women gain between 10kg and 12.5kg (22lb to 28lb) with most of that weight being gained after week 20. This weight is crucial for your baby’s growth and development. 

While much of the extra weight is due to your growing baby, your placenta, amnoitic fluid, extra water and even growing breasts contribute to weight gain. Your body will also be storing fat to prepare for breastfeeding after your baby is born.

While weight gain is important, gaining too much can impact your health, so it's important to eat healthily and stay mindful - sadly, the old adage of ‘eating for two’ is a myth!

Gaining too much wait can increase your risk of certain complications, such as having a high birth weight baby, gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia.

Along with eating a balanced diet, staying active regularly can help manage weight gain too. Keep up your normal daily activities/exercise unless your midwife or GP advises against it.

Can I gain too little weight?

Some naturally slim women remain slim during pregnancy and have healthy babies. Gaining too little weight is possible though, and can mean your baby has a low birth weight (less than 2.5kg or 5.5lb at birth) or that your body isn’t storing enough fat. If you're worried at all, discuss your concerns with your midwife.

Getting advice

Your midwife or GP can give you advice specific to your situation, especially if you have a body mass index (BMI) over 30 or below 18.5. If you’re concerned about your weight - or any other aspect of your health while pregnant - don’t hesitate to ask your midwife or GP for advice.

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