Question: How much weight should I gain in pregnancy if I'm overweight?
Answer: Despite the risks of being overweight or obese in pregnancy, it is still imperative that you gain weight during pregnancy. How much weight you should gain will be in part determined by your body mass index (BMI) and the plan developed in conjunction with your health care team.
- If your BMI is 30+ you should gain: 11-20 lbs
- If your BMI is between 25 - 29.9 you should gain: 15-25 lbs
Being overweight in pregnancy means that you will have a greater risk of complications in your pregnancy. These complications can include:
- gestational diabetes
- high blood pressure
- more aches and pains
This does not mean that a healthy pregnancy is not possible but may be something that you must work harder to achieve with the help of your physician or midwife.
Source:
Weight Gain During Pregnancy: Reexamining the Guidelines. Kathleen M. Rasmussen and Ann L. Yaktine, Editors; Committee to Reexamine IOM Pregnancy Weight Guidelines; Institute of Medicine; National Research Council; 2009.
