Weight Gain during Pregnancy

Weight gain is a normal and healthy part of pregnancy. Most women gain a normal amount of weight by eating well and staying active. The extra weight gain during pregnancy

Generally, there is little weight gain during the first trimester (1-2 kg) because of morning sickness. The most weight is gained (about 5-7 kg) during the second trimester. In the third trimester, a woman gains about 4-5 kg. This is the average weight gain. Every woman's body is different, depending on body weight before conception. For normal healthy woman, the weight gain ranges from 11-16 kg. Women who are underweight prior to pregnancy usually would gain little more and overweight women, a little less.

Women who do not gain enough weight have an increased risk of delivering small babies (low birth weight of less than 2.5 kg). In Singapore, Indians tend to deliver smaller babies than other races. Small babies can die in early childhood and have many health problems. They are more prone to asthma, and respiratory tract infections (cough and cold). Small babies are at greater risk of having cerebral palsy (a nervous system disorder causing difficulty in talking and walking). Their Intelligent Quotient (IQ) is lower and they may have delayed development.

Gaining too much weight can also be a problem. It may increase the risk of developing hypertension and diabetes in pregnancy. The pregnancy becomes an unpleasant experience, causing backache, leg cramps and varicose veins. Besides it is also difficult to lose weight after delivery. The baby tends to be big. Large babies make vaginal deliveries difficult, increasing the risk for cesarean section. Overweight babies may become obese and diabetic in later part of their lives.

The pregnant woman's diet should include the basic nutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, fats and vitamins) necessary to meet the demands of the developing fetus. Junk food should be avoided. Occasional chocolate treat is permissible but it provides nothing more than empty calories. For women who normally do not follow a healthy diet, pregnancy is a good time to start.

A pregnant woman needs approximately 2500 calories a day. A sensible diet includes foods from all the major food groups:

• About 10% of your calories should come from proteins, such as pork, chicken, fish, eggs and beans
• About 35% of your calories should come from fats such as milk, butter, yoghurt, cheese, nuts, and corn oil
• About 55% of your calories should come from carbohydrate such as bread, potatoes, rice and cereals

Vitamins are present in fruits and vegetables.

Healthy eating reduces the risk for premature birth and complications during pregnancy, builds up fats and fluids for use during breastfeeding and helps to ensure that the baby will have a healthy birth weight.