Navigating Weight Gain During Pregnancy

Pregnancy weight gain can be tricky and sensitive for many expecting moms. It’s normal to worry, wonder and have a lot of questions about weight gain during pregnancy. First, weight gain is normal, expected, and needed for a healthy pregnancy and thriving baby. 


Some primary care providers will do regular weigh-ins, and some won’t. Different practitioners follow different guidelines, and it also varies based on location. Should you be weighed regularly throughout pregnancy?


Maybe.


Let’s dive into the pros, cons, and what makes sense for you.

Pros of Weigh-ins During Pregnancy

The biggest pro of regular weigh-ins is the ability to catch if there is rapid weight gain (more than 2 pounds a week), which can be a red flag and might warrant some further investigation to see if there is fluid retention or anything else going on, like pre-eclampsia. The key here is that it should be regularly checked. If you are weighed once at 20 weeks and then again at 36 weeks, catching any rapid changes will be unlikely.

two template websites for practictioners

Cons of Weigh-ins During Pregnancy

One drawback is that it can cause anxiety or trigger individuals who have issues with body image or eating disorders. It is important to remember that you have the right to decline stepping on a scale if you choose. What matters most is having a discussion with your healthcare provider about weight gain and any anxiety related to it.

People of all Sizes Should be Gaining Weight During Pregnancy

The latest research has revolutionized the way we view weight gain for overweight and obese individuals. Gone are the days of discouraging weight gain or urging immediate weight loss – we now know that embracing a healthy approach to pregnancy is essential for both the baby's and the expectant mothers well-being. In the past, medical experts recommended that pregnant women who were overweight or obese should avoid gaining any additional weight. This advice was rooted in concerns about potential complications and risks associated with excessive weight gain during pregnancy. However, we now have a deeper understanding of how weight gain can positively impact both mother and baby. The prevailing belief today is that some degree of weight gain is beneficial during pregnancy for overweight and obese women. Research has shown that moderate and carefully managed weight gain can contribute to optimal fetal development, reducing the risk of various health issues for both mother and baby. 

Current Guidelines

The current guideline suggesting that pregnant women should consume an extra 300 calories daily may not be completely precise, as there are several other factors that need to be taken into account. The recommended calorie intake varies depending on different aspects, including the level of physical activity. Upon discovering their pregnancy, many expectant mothers often cease exercising due to concerns or uncertainty regarding safety. When physical activity diminishes, the bodys calorie requirements also decrease in order to fulfill its energy needs.

The Consequences of Excessive Weight Gain

We want to be mindful of excessive weight gain because it increases the risk of gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia. All of these conditions can lead to other complications during pregnancy and delivery. Our goal as healthcare providers is to minimize risk and complications for moms and babies, so this is one of the reasons we keep an eye on excessive weight gain. 


Your pre-pregnancy BMI influences the weight gain that would be healthy and ideal for you during pregnancy.

Table of 2009 gestational weight gain guidelines by pre-pregnancy BMI: term gain and 2nd–3rd trimester rate.

How to Manage Weight Through Lifestyle 

The great news is there are a lot of practical and sustainable lifestyle interventions that can be done during preconception and pregnancy to promote healthy and adequate weight gain during pregnancy.


You are not alone if you’re confused about what to eat or avoid during pregnancy. Most expecting moms want and expect guidance around nutrition. Naturopathic Doctors and Registered Dieticians are great resources to walk you through the confusing topics of nutrition and weight gain in pregnancy. They go far beyond just handing you a piece of paper with a list of foods to avoid for the next ten months. Contact your trusted healthcare provider if you want some guidance on healthy weight gain and specific nutrition recommendations.

You Deserve Compassionate and Evidence-Based Support

If you are struggling with anxiety around weight gain and body changes, reach out as soon as possible. The transition into motherhood is a time of incredible mental, physical, and emotional transformation. You are not meant to walk the path of motherhood alone.


Trusted healthcare providers can provide evidence-based and compassionate care throughout your journey. If you are located in Ontario, Canada and would like to learn more about working one-on-one with me, book a free 15-minute discovery call.