Pregnancy & Baby 

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Weight gain

The odd thing about weight gain in pregnancy is that while we are good about making formulations for the general population, we are not so good at adapting our information to individuals.

In general, lack of weight gain or arrested gain is associated with foetal growth retardation, which is why it is a matter of concern.

An average amount gained in first time mothers is 27½lbs – just under two stone. The amount of weight one gains in pregnancy that can be attributed to the baby is approximately 20 pounds. The rest is mostly storage of fat.

The distribution of this weight tends to follow this pattern: Weeks 1 through 19: Generally 2-5lbs Weeks 20 through 40: Approximately ½ -1lb per week.

These averages are observed in typical women whose level of exercise may fall well below your level, however.

I would need to know more about your history and body composition to comment on whether five pounds is too little in your case. Very heavy women tend to gain less weight, for example.

Five pounds by 20 weeks seems within the curve but by 24 weeks, another pound or two would be good. Of course, your diet is the most important variable here. Make sure you are getting enough protein, carbohydrates and all the essential vitamins and minerals. Perhaps the most remarkable findings about weight gain in pregnancy are that a wide range is compatible with healthy babies and that departures, from whatever ‘normal’ is, are not specific for any adverse outcome in a given mother.

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