Reasonable weight gain during pregnancy for normal - underweight - overweight mothers

Proper weight gain during pregnancy helps ensure the development of the fetus. Standards for weight gain during pregnancy depend on the stage of pregnancy and the mother's pre-pregnancy weight status.

During the first 3 months of pregnancy, due to pregnancy conditions, many pregnant women gain little or no weight, but in general still gain about 2 kg.
Meanwhile, for the second and third trimesters of pregnancy:
For women with normal weight before pregnancy: The reasonable weight gain during pregnancy should be maintained at 0.4 kg/week. For women with a lower weight: Weight gain should be maintained at 0.5 kg/week. For women who have been overweight before: Weight gain should be limited to about 0.3 kg/week. In the first trimester of pregnancy, the mother should gain between 1 - 2 kg, the second trimester 4 - 5 kg, the last trimester 5 - 6 kg.
The reasonable amount of weight gain during pregnancy depends mainly on the condition of each pregnant woman, no two pregnancies are the same, and no mother has exactly the same weight gain. In general, a reasonable weight gain for a pregnant woman is:
About 11.3 - 16 kg for a woman of average weight before pregnancy. About 12.7 - 18.3 kg for pregnant women with low weight before pregnancy. About 7 - 11.3 kg for pregnant women who are overweight before pregnancy About 16 - 20.5 kg in case of pregnant women with twins.

From the 4th month of pregnancy, pregnant women should gain weight in the range of 1.5 to 2 kg per month. In addition, it is advisable to check your weight regularly and consult your doctor for advice if you gain less than 1 kg or more than 3 kg per month. Too little or too much weight gain causes negative effects on the health of mother and baby:
Gaining too much weight can easily lead to the risk of pregnant women having pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, and increased birth rate. premature, cesarean section. Too little weight gain can easily cause fetal growth retardation in the uterus, fetal malnutrition, and increased risk of preterm birth. Pregnant women should note that during pregnancy, eating is for both mother and child, but does not mean "double eating". It is important for the mother to meet the standards of weight gain during pregnancy with nutrition or exercise.
It should be emphasized, pregnancy is not the right time to lose weight and keep fit. Therefore, pregnant women should not diet or skip meals.

3.1. Nutrition Nutrition is an extremely important factor for pregnant women. Accordingly, the diet for pregnant women needs to ensure enough 4 food groups:
Flour group (including rice, noodles, corn, potatoes...) Protein group (added through meat, fish, eggs, shrimp) , crabs, beans...) Fat group (found in many oils, fats, sesame, peanuts...) Group of vitamins, minerals and fiber (in green vegetables and ripe fruits) Note, Pregnant women need to pay special attention to food hygiene and safety, absolutely do not eat foods that are not cooked, of unknown origin, too much spice... To meet the standards of weight gain during pregnancy During pregnancy, the mother needs to be provided with an adequate amount of essential vitamins and nutrients for both mother and baby, including:
Vitamins of groups A, B, C, D, E, K: Can be supplemented through foods daily natural products. Calcium: Rich in milk, eggs, whey, yogurt... Folic acid: Plays a very important role in the development of the nervous system in children. It is abundant in animal liver and dark green vegetables. , cauliflower, legumes... Omega 3: In the composition of cooking oil, olive oil and fish fat... Protein: Found in foods such as fish, chicken, meat, eggs and beans, helps to muscle, bone and hematopoietic processes. Iron: Very important in blood formation, oxygen transport, found in chicken liver, egg yolk, beef (or in red meat), natural vegetables such as beans... Zinc: Very rich in fish, seafood, poultry and dairy. Zinc is an essential element to ensure the baby's weight and head circumference. Zinc also plays a certain role in the development of children before and after birth. Iodine: it is necessary to supplement with iodine to complete the brain development of children. Besides, pregnant women need to pay attention to add at least 8 glasses of filtered water or juice per day to prevent dehydration, constipation, affecting the amount of amniotic fluid and amniotic sac.
In addition, pregnant women can use supplements, multivitamin tablets to supplement essential micronutrients for the body. However, pregnant women need to use these supplements in a reasonable dose and under the guidance of a doctor.

3.2. Living and working mode Pregnant women should work according to their ability, not overwork. Avoid working at height or submerging in water. While working, should take reasonable breaks. In the last stage of pregnancy, pregnant women need to rest to regain strength and baby gain weight. Should exercise gently by doing moderate housework, should not passively rest in one place. Make sure to sleep at least 8 hours a day, nap just enough to restore the body. Keep a comfortable mental life, avoid stress, anxiety and depression. Limit going far, when going out, need someone to support. Keep the living environment clean, fresh, airy, avoid cigarette smoke, dust. In addition, pregnant women need to have monthly antenatal check-ups at medical facilities, including at least 3 prenatal check-ups during the entire pregnancy so that the doctor can examine and give appropriate advice. , helping the mother meet the standards of weight gain during pregnancy.