What's right for you
Just as there's no such thing as "one size fits all" pantyhose (at best, they're "one size fits some"!), there's no such thing as a "one size fits all" recommendation for weight gain during pregnancy.
The amount of weight that you need to gain is determined by your pre-pregnancy weight.
- If you are underweight (your body mass index is less than 20), you should aim for a weight gain of 28 to 40 lbs. (12.5 to 18 kg).
- If you are at a healthy weight (your body mass index is between 20 and 27), you should aim for a weight gain of 25 to 35 lbs. (11.5 to 16 kg).
- If you are overweight (your body mass index is greater than 27), you should aim for a weight gain of 15 to 25 lbs. (7.0 to 11.5 kg).
While it's tempting to use pregnancy as the best excuse ever for overindulging (to pretend that the other person you're eating for is a 250 lb. trucker rather than a 1 lb. fetus!), it's healthier for you and your baby to keep your weight gain within the healthy range. Besides, you can't fool Mother Nature forever. At the end of the day, you'll be forced to confront those less-than-welcome pregnancy "souvenirs" on your hips and thighs!
