How much weight gain in pregnancy is too much?

Question

My midwife is giving me a really hard time about gaining weight. I'm 26 weeks and have put on 9 kg (19.8lbs). But I'm eating healthily and all tests show baby is growing fine. She has told me to cut out bread, potatoes, pasta and even to be careful of grapes and bananas cos they are fattening fruits...! What do you think of this advice? She also suggested too much weight gain could lead to pre-eclampsia. Are they connected?

Answer 1

Looks like you are doing fine from the following.

"Medical Care During Pregnancy"
http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/pregnancy_newborn/pregnancy/medical_care_pregnancy.html

"Pregnant women also frequently worry about weight gain. It's generally recommended that a woman of normal weight gain approximately 25 to 30 pounds during pregnancy - about 2 or 3 pounds each month. For individuals who start their pregnancy overweight, their total weight gain should be closer to 15 to 25 pounds. And those who are underweight should gain 28 to 40 pounds."

If you were of normal weight at the start of your pregnancy, you could have gained 19.5 pounds by now and be in the normal range. Maybe reduce the carbohydrate intake a bit.

I would be more concerned by a lack of weight gain, than an excess of .3 of a pound.
http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/pregnancy_newborn/pregnancy/medical_care_pregnancy.html

"Pregnancy is not a good time to start a diet, however, it can be a great time to start eating healthy food if you didn't before. It's also a good time to get regular, low-impact exercise.

Controlling weight gain is more difficult later in a pregnancy, so try to avoid gaining a lot of weight during the first few months. However, not gaining enough weight can cause problems too, such as inadequate fetal growth and premature labor."

.

Answer 2

20 lbs sounds a little high but still ok for 26 weeks. Unless - were you really overweight to start out? Otherwise I don't know what the panic is...usually doctors are a little more relaxed about weight gain, the recommended amount is 25-35 for normal sized women, on the lower end for overweight women and higher side for underweight.

I remember that I had gained 10 lbs by 20 weeks in all three of my pregnancies but after that I started gaining very quickly. When I was at my goal weight I gained 25-30 lbs and when I was 20 lbs overweight I only gained 20 lbs.

On the other hand she's right that too much weight gain is connected to pre-eclampsia and also gestational diabetes. Also she is right that you don't need bread, potatoes, pasta, grapes and bananas. You can chose better choices like whole grains, melons, berries, lots of raw salads and steamed green vegetables, lean meats, fish, chicken, cheese, yogurt and milk.

Answer 3

I think that if you are gaining weight steadily then the end of your pregnancy will be a little hard, it's hard enough as it is towards the end without lots of extra weight. I put on 14 kg with my pregnancy and my gyno said it was too much and that the ideal was 9-11 kg.
There was a girl who took the labour classes with me who put on 30 kg! i saw her a few days ago and she's lost nearly all of it, she has another 7 kilos to go and it's taken her 5 months to get this far already, she hardly eats anything. So keep in mind that the more you put on the lower your self esteem could get after birth.
As for your mid-wife telling you not to eat certain fruits, i think thats stupid of her, it's great that you're snacking on fruit!

Answer 4

I'm with your midwife on this one.

Don't eat anything white--bread, potatoes, pasta, rice, sugar, anything.

Eat only whole grains and vegetables without butter or sauces. A little lean meat, and fruits as desired. Fresh fruit has so many benefits, it is not a good idea to limit them even if they have a few calories. I don't know of any really 'fattening' fruits, anyway.

Too much weight gain leads to lots of problems, including pre-eclampsia, pregnancy-onset diabetes, swelling of joints, and other problems. You should gain 25-40 pounds for a single baby, a little more for twins.

Answer 5

In a normal pregnancy, you should gain about 30lbs. If you gain too much weight at one time or throughout your pregnancy than it can cause you to become pre-eclampsic. I know because it happened to me. I gained 60lbs during my first pregnancy. As long as you don't eat excessively, you know like that saying "your eating for two now" which is total bs, and your eating healthy food, then I wouldn't worry too much. Instead of cutting out all of those carbs, you can just cut down on them.

Answer 6

You have not gained too much, but it is a lot. You are supposed to get the most of the weight in the last 3 months. Considering that 12 kgs is the most you are supposed to get, you don't have much left. So listen to her. It doesn't matter if you gain a bit more than 12, but if you already have 9, you must start being careful.

Answer 7

If you are normal weight before pregnancy:
Gain 25 to 35 pounds during pregnancy.

If you are overweight before pregnancy:
Gain 15 to 25 pounds during pregnancy.

If you are underweight before pregnancy:
Gain 28 to 40 pounds during pregnancy (depending on your pre-pregnancy weight).

If you have a multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets or more): See your health care provider. You will need to gain more weight during pregnancy depending on the number of babies you are carrying.

Also check: http://www.womenshealthcaretopics.com/pregnancy_week_26.htm

Answer 8

I've been concerned about my own weight gain, but my midwife hasn't even touched upon it. They haven't reweighed me since I booked in in March. I've put on over 3 stone (21kg), and am very concerned as my BP is also high and protein is being found intermittently in my wee. I'm pre-pre-eclampsic - but no-ones concerned about my weight. As long as it comes off after the baby's born I'll be happy, otherwise I'll have absolutely nothing to wear that will fit!

Best of luck with your pregnancy. Mine's due in three weeks!

Answer 9

Tell her to stick that banana where the sun doesn't shine.Everyone is different and if you are eating well and not just pigging out on junk you will be fine. Do not under any circumstances give up Carbs as that will lead to tiredness and possible metabolic problems.Is there any way you could change this Nazi for a decent midwife?Enjoy your pregnancy there are enough things to worry about as it is without her making it worse.

Answer 10

You are doing just great!!! In my first pregnancy I put on 20 kg's in total and lost every kg within 6 weeks of having her! At this stage you should be worrying about feeling good and enjoying your pregnancy. As long as you don't go overboard and think that pregnancy is a licence to eat you will do just fine! Good Luck!