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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

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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.

Get Moving!  For Seniors

Physical activity is great for your heart and mind! Seniors can be healthier and feel better with movement.

Get Moving! For Seniors

Mealtime Mania:  Make time for Breakfast!

You’ve heard it before. Yes, breakfast is still the most important meal of the day! Whether you start your day at 7:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m., you need to fuel your body and jump-start your day.

Mealtime Mania: Make time for Breakfast!

Fun Mindset Exercise Tips

Commit, make it fun and make it a priority! Click to try this attached download and learn more!

Fun Mindset Exercise Tips

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