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.

Diabetes Coaching:  A General Flow Chart

Diabetes coaching requires consistent education and communication. See a general flow chart for coaching persons with diabetes.

Diabetes Coaching: A General Flow Chart

Dealing with the Emotions Associated with Diabetes

Professionals and patients alike often deal with a whirlwind of emotions. When emotions run high, it is important for educators to maintain a calming demeanor and allow patients to feel their emotions while also guiding them towards solutions to t...

Dealing with the Emotions Associated with Diabetes

Basics of Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus, simply referred to as "diabetes", has become an epidemic, affecting about twenty-one million Americans, according to the American Diabetes Association. Unfortunately, more than 30% of that twenty-one million are undiagnosed. In ...

Basics of Diabetes

bottom of page