top of page

Pregnancy and Your Changing Body

Content by: NCES, Inc.

If my baby is only going to weigh 7- 8 pounds, where does all that weight go?

Pregnancy and Your Changing Body

Calculator

Share Item

PDF

Presentation

Author

As you can see below, most of the weight gained during pregnancy goes to helping your baby grow!

Breaking it down:
Blood Volume = 3-4 pounds
Fluid = 3-6 pounds
Uterus = 2 pounds
Breasts = 1 pound
Body Stores = 4-8 pounds
Baby = 7-8 pounds
Placenta & Umbilical Cord = 2 pounds
Amniotic Fluid = 2 pounds

Calorie and weight gain recommendations are unique for every pregnancy and depend on a number of factors. All pregnant women should eat a variety of nutrient dense foods every day. A vitamin and mineral supplement may be necessary, if recommended by a doctor.


Weight gain recommendations are based on the pre-pregnancy BMI. BMI categories are broken down as follows:

Underweight: less than 18.5
Normal: 18.5-24.9
Overweight: 25-29.9
Obese: 30.0 and greater


Pregnancy Weight Gain Recommendations:

Underweight: 28-40 lbs
Normal: 25-35 lbs
Overweight: 15-24 lbs
Obese: 11-20 lbs


NOTE: Weight gain recommendations increase in pregnancies with multiples.

Quick Tips!

#1 In order to facilitate a healthy weight gain, it is recommended to gradually increase calorie intake throughout the pregnancy.

#2 Calorie needs also increase as the baby grows, and your body requires more energy to support this new life.

Next Steps.

1st trimester: Generally does not require any extra calories, just a nutrient dense diet.

2nd trimester: An extra 300-350 calories per day.

3rd trimester: An extra 400-450 calories per day.

​

​

Nutrition Terms Cheat Sheet

Download this cheat to keep on your phone or print a hard copy to keep in your wallet/purse every time you run to the grocery store. This list of nutrition terms will help you to read food labels like a pro!

Nutrition Terms Cheat Sheet

Holiday Season Tips

Follow a few of these holiday party tricks to help you build your plate and navigate the buffet table or the drink station without regrets. Tips for individuals watching what they eat, for someone with diabetes or managing high blood pressure! 💡...

Holiday Season Tips

Diabetes Meal Planning

There are multiple approaches to planning an appropriate diet. Use this article and slideshow to educate others on the different options for meal planning and carbohydrate counting for patients with diabetes.

Diabetes Meal Planning

bottom of page