Parentpedia

What Experts Say^*

The average woman should eat about 2,200 calories a day in the first trimester and 2,500 calories a day in the second and third trimesters to accommodate the nutritional demands of a growing fetus. On average, a woman will gain 10 ounces a week until 20 weeks of gestation and then a pound a week until delivery. Remember that your body needs to store fat during this time in order to feed the baby after delivery.

Where the Weight Goes

According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists, here's the break-down:...

The average woman should eat about 2,200 calories a day in the first trimester and 2,500 calories a day in the second and third trimesters to accommodate the nutritional demands of a growing fetus. On average, a woman will gain 10 ounces a week until 20 weeks of gestation and then a pound a week until delivery. Remember that your body needs to store fat during this time in order to feed the baby after delivery.

Where the Weight Goes

According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists, here's the break-down:

• 7 lbs — to store fat, protein, and other nutrients
• 4 lbs — to increase body fluid
• 3-4 lbs — to increase blood volume
• 1-2 lbs — to your breasts
• 2 lbs — to your uterus
• 2 lbs — to amniotic fluid
• 1.5 lbs — to the placenta
• 6-8 lbs — to the baby

These numbers equal a grand total of 26.5 to 30.5 lbs, which represents an ideal weight gain.

"Ideal" is the operative word; these numbers are just a guideline to help you track your pregnancy and discuss your weight gain with your doctor.

Your individual weight gain will depend on your body type, how much morning sickness you experience, how much you're exercising, and how many calories you're eating. Your doctor will monitor your weight gain and offer you advice as the pregnancy progresses. This is especially important if you're underweight or overweight when you conceive.

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