What is healthy weight gain in pregnancy? 

All women put weight on during pregnancy; it’s completely natural as your body is adapting and supporting your growing baby. However, it is important that you maintain a healthy weight gain in pregnancy for the health of both you and your baby.

Underweight in pregnancy

Having a BMI of less than 18.5 shows you’re underweight when pregnant. This puts you at risk of complications such as premature birth and an underweight baby. It could also meant that your baby is not getting the necessary nutrients for healthy growth. See our article The foundations of a healthy diet: part one and The foundations of a healthy diet: part two for more information about the role different nutrients play in your baby’s development.

Overweight in pregnancy

If you have a BMI of more than 30 in pregnancy, you are considered overweight. This increases the risk of pregnancy complications, including:

• Miscarriage
• Gestational diabetes
• Pre-eclampsia, see our article, , for more information
• Blood clots
• A large for gestational age baby
• Premature birth
• Increased likelihood of needing an induction, instrumental birth or caesarean.

See our articles: Managing gestational diabetes with a healthy diet, Pregnancy conditions explained: Pre-eclampsia, Reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia through nutrition

Weight gain

Firstly, remember this is NORMAL! The following table shows the average healthy weight gain you can expect during pregnancy. Find out more about weight in pregnancy.

By completing exercise programmes, such as pregnancy Pilates, you will strengthen your core, and reduce the pressure extra weight puts on your body, especially joints.

Check your BMI, download a copy of Slimming World’s pregnancy weight range chart here: Slimming World Extended Pregnancy Height Weight Chart