WEIGHT GAIN DURING PREGNANCY

​In a woman with normal weight, under normal conditions, there is an increase of 13 kg in body weight during pregnancy. 6 kg of the increased weight belongs to the fetus and uterus, 3 kg to body fluids, and 4 kg to fat accumulation. Insufficient or excessive weight gain brings with it some problems related to pregnancy.

 

Balanced and healthy nutrition is very important to have healthy children. It is necessary to acquire healthy eating habits during the pre-pregnancy period and continue them throughout pregnancy. Regular eating habits contribute to the health of the expectant mother, her family and the developing baby. Pregnancy is one of the stages in a woman's life where nutrition becomes important. Nutrition during pregnancy greatly affects the health of the mother and the unborn baby. This fact gave rise to the idea among the public that a pregnant mother should eat for two. However, overnutrition during pregnancy is as harmful to the health of the mother and baby as undernutrition.

 

In cases with normal weight, that is, Body Mass Index (BMI)

BMI: 18.5-24.9 kg/m2: 11.25-15.75 kg.
BMI: 25-29.9 kg/m2: 6.75-11.25 kg.
BMI: Above 30 kg/m2: They should be allowed to gain weight below 6.75 kg.

These recommended weight increases do not cause obesity after birth. Weight increases above these values lead to continued weight gain after birth.

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The rate of weight increase during pregnancy is also important. In normal pregnant women, a weight gain of 1.35-2.25 kg per month in the first trimester and 0.45-0.9 kg per week thereafter is recommended. Starting from the pre-pregnancy period;

Regular intake of all basic food groups every day,

Eating 3 meals and 6 snacks a day,

Care should be taken to consume sufficient amounts of foods containing important vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron and folic acid.

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