Are you expecting a baby? Congratulations! The next few weeks and months will be exciting, with so much newness waiting for you, so many emotions . And, of course, a few extra pounds. That’s completely normal during pregnancy . After all, a new life is growing inside your belly, developing further from week to week and gaining weight of its own.
Of course, the notorious food cravings experienced by many pregnant women aren’t a myth. But if you follow a few basic rules, you don’t have to worry about them.
Find out here how much weight gain is okay for you, your body and your baby and when you should be a little careful.
Gain weight, sure, but do it right!
During pregnancy , many women who are usually meticulous about their weight seem to throw all the rules out the window. They used to fear every extra pound, but now their growing baby bump becomes their pride and joy. And you still hear sayings like, “Go for it, you’re eating for two now.”
However, even though weight gain during pregnancy is completely normal, you should still pay attention to a healthy and balanced diet. Being significantly overweight is harmful to you during pregnancy and can also be a problem for the baby.
Weight during pregnancy – the right amount!
In fact, a pregnant woman’s calorie needs only increase from the fourth month onward, and even then only by about 250 calories per day. That’s equivalent to a small portion of muesli or a slice of cream cheese sandwich with an apple—so there’s no need to indulge in a big meal.
And it should remain the exception during pregnancy.
Massive weight gain can increase the risk of diabetes and cause high blood pressure, both of which pose a threat to the health of both mother and child.
But: starvation diets during pregnancy are also absolutely taboo!
Are you afraid of gaining too much weight during pregnancy and would rather go on a diet? Absolutely not. Starvation diets are at least as harmful as excessive overeating.
The right balance is – as so often in life – the key to a relaxed pregnancy, in which mother and child are provided with everything they need. A balanced diet is always optimal – whether you’re pregnant or not. But especially then!
The optimal weight gain during pregnancy
Many women tend to lose weight rather than gain it, especially at the beginning of their pregnancy, i.e., in the first trimester. Hormonal changes, the exciting new situation, and, in some women, morning sickness are the reasons for this.
In the second trimester, women gain an average of between 250 and 400 grams per week. In the third trimester, the weight gain is between 400 and 600 grams – this is also when the baby itself gains the most weight.
At the weight gain described above, you’ll gain about 14 kilograms over the course of your entire pregnancy. Anything significantly more than that is often too much.
Weight gain during pregnancy – The overview
If you maintain a balanced, vitamin-rich diet during pregnancy, you’ll always be on the safe side. If you’re unsure about anything, feel free to ask your doctor what you should consider. If you were already overweight before pregnancy, specialized nutritional counseling may be beneficial; the costs are usually even covered by health insurance.
Even though a weight gain of about 14 kilograms is considered a guideline, you shouldn’t worry. Many women retain water, and several other factors also play a role.
For your baby’s and your own well-being, it’s especially important that you stay relaxed and optimistic. After all, your gynecologist checks your weight and all other important pregnancy factors at every prenatal appointment. They’re always available to listen to your questions and concerns.
And now we wish you and your baby a relaxed pregnancy, an uncomplicated birth and, above all, a fantastic time getting to know each other afterwards!
