Can Pregnant Women Gain Too Much Weight?

Weight gain from the beginning of pregnancy to the time of delivery varies between 10 and 16 kilograms. Tall and slim women tend to gain more weight than those who are rather short and of normal weight. If you are expecting twins, a weight gain of between 16 and 20 kilograms is a realistic guideline. If pregnant women gain significantly more weight, they should consult their doctor in order to rule out health risks for themselves and the unborn child from being overweight.

Basically, pregnant women should never eat “for two”. Because the energy requirement is only slightly higher despite the growing child: The German Society for Nutrition only provides for a supplement of 255 kcal daily from the second trimester of pregnancy. That’s about the equivalent of a slice of whole grain bread with butter and cheese. In the last third, an additional requirement of around 500 kcal can be assumed. The situation is different with the need for vitamins and minerals, which is actually significantly increased. In order to meet this additional requirement without loading up on too many calories, pregnant women should rely on low-calorie foods with a high vitamin and mineral content. Fresh vegetables and fruit, fish, lean meat, milk and milk products, legumes, potatoes, and whole grain products are suitable for this.

If you pay attention to this, you don’t have to expect excessive weight gain. However, if pregnant women gain more than around 400 grams per week in the second trimester of pregnancy and more than 600 grams in the last trimester, they should definitely have this checked out by their doctor. If the extra pounds aren’t explained by excess caloric intake alone, it could be a sign of conditions like gestational diabetes.

If pregnant women gain too much weight, they should still not go on a diet. In this case, the child could be insufficiently supplied with nutrients. Those affected should instead seek medical advice and, if necessary, seek qualified nutritional advice. Excessive weight gain can be counteracted with sufficient exercises, such as water aerobics or regular walks in the fresh air. In addition, pregnant women can safely save a few calories by avoiding high-sugar drinks such as fruit juices and sodas, as well as cakes, biscuits, and sweets.