x

  • Please enter your login details below:

Forgotten your Password?

Clinic

Weight gain

Average weight gain during pregnancy is around 10 to 12 kg (22 to 26 lb). You gain around 2.5 kg (5.5 lb) during the first 20 weeks, and then only about 0.5Kg (1lb) per week until your baby is born.

The average distribution of weight gain is as follows:

 

  • baby: 3.4 kg (7.5 lb);
  • placenta: 0.7 kg (1.5 lb);
  • amniotic fluid: 1 kg (2.2 lb);
  • increase in womb: 1 kg (2.2lb);
  • blood volume: 1.4 kg (3 lb);
  • breasts: 0.5 kg (1 lb);
  • fat: 3.4 kg (7.5 lb).

Bear in mind that these figures are only average, and that if your baby turns out to be 4 kg (9lb), your weight gain could be expected to be above this. Less emphasis is paid now to keeping weight gain to a minimum than on a healthy, happy pregnancy which incorporates a well-balanced nutritious diet. Pregnancy is not the time to diet.

You will lose around 10 kg (20lb) in weight within the first two weeks following the birth, including the weight of your baby. Within three to four months you should find that you are back to your pre-pregnancy weight, and if you breastfeed your baby you could find that you return to your pre-pregnant weight reasonably quickly. This is because the fat stores laid down during pregnancy are designed to be used up in the process of milk production.


Related Articles

First Aid courses from an award winning London based company

Head Injuries - what to do and what to look out for




Have Your Say

Be the first person to comment on this article, just post a comment below.

In order to post a comment you need to be a member. Join Now | Sign in