The enlargement of the uterus due to the fetus, placenta and amniotic fluid, as well as fat storage in preparation for breastfeeding and increased blood volume, make it natural for pregnant women to gain weight. However, there is still an ideal weight gain that needs to be maintained so that the pregnancy remains healthy. Pregnant women who are overweight or less than ideal are at risk of experiencing health problems during pregnancy. Weight gain for each pregnant woman is not the same. This depends on your body mass index (BMI) and weight before pregnancy. The BMI number is obtained from dividing body weight in kilograms (kg) by body height in meters squared.
Ideal Weight Gain in Pregnant Women
Talking about ideal weight gain during pregnancy, this depends on the mother’s weight before pregnancy. If before pregnancy, the mother is underweight, weight gain needs to be more than that of pregnant women in general, to support the needs of the mother and fetus. Meanwhile, pregnant women who are overweight can use some of their energy reserves to support fetal growth, so they only need to gain a little weight. In fact, it needs to be controlled so that weight gain is not excessive. Please note that gaining weight during pregnancy does not guarantee that the baby will have a normal weight at birth. This is because there are many other factors that influence a baby’s weight at birth. However, gaining weight during pregnancy can increase the chances of the baby’s weight being normal.
For mothers who were underweight before pregnancy, or who had a body mass index (BMI) of less than 18.5 kg/m2, it is recommended to increase their weight by 12.7-18 kilograms during pregnancy. For mothers who have a normal weight or BMI of 18.5-24.9 kg/m2 before pregnancy, it is recommended to increase their weight by 11.3-15.9 kilograms during pregnancy. For mothers who have a body weight above normal or a BMI of 25-29.9 kg/m2, it is recommended to increase their weight by 6.8-11.3 kilograms.
For mothers who are obese or have a BMI ≥30 kg/m2, it is recommended to only increase their weight by 5-9 kilograms. Meanwhile, for mothers pregnant with twins, it is recommended to increase their weight by 11.5-24.5 kilograms during pregnancy. If you want to know more clearly, you can consult with medical personnel such as a midwife or doctor. They will help mothers calculate their BMI, as well as provide useful advice on carrying out pregnancy.
BMI/BMI formula for adults
Just take an example, Mother weighs 80 kilograms and is 1.75 m (175 centimeters) tall. First, multiply your height squared: 1.75 x 1.75 = 3.06. Next, divide your weight by the square of your height: 80/3.06 = 26.1.
Tips for Maintaining Ideal Weight Gain During Pregnancy
So that ideal weight gain during pregnancy can be maintained, mothers need to adjust their lifestyle according to their body condition. For example, if a mother is overweight during pregnancy, she can try adopting a healthy, low-fat diet during pregnancy. It is best to limit consumption of sweet foods or drinks, as well as foods that are fried and high in salt, during pregnancy. As a healthier variation, choose foods that are cooked by boiling, baking or steaming.
Also try to eat little by little, but often. For example, eat 5-6 times a day in small portions. Also do light exercise, such as walking and swimming, to keep your body fit. Being active can help pregnant women maintain their ideal weight. However, make sure to talk to your doctor or midwife first about choosing a type of exercise that is safe to do. Meanwhile, for underweight pregnant women, add sources of healthy fats to your food intake during pregnancy. However, make sure not to overdo it to avoid excessive weight gain.
How to manage weight gain in pregnant women
Untuk menjaga agar kenaikan berat badan saat hamil tetap terkontrol dengan baik, Anda perlu mengatur beberapa gaya hidup sesuai dengan kondisi tubuh.For example, if you are overweight during pregnancy, consume a variety of healthy foods for pregnant women, such as:
- Rice, potatoes, bread and cereals contain complex carbohydrates.
- Vegetables and fruit, at least 5 portions a day.
- Meat, fish and eggs contain animal protein, as well as tempeh, tofu and nuts which contain vegetable protein.
- Milk and milk products, such as yoghurt and cheese.
- Choose low-fat ones if pregnant women are overweight.Agar lebih sehat, sebaiknya batasi makanan atau minuman manis, pemakaian garam, dan kudapan yang digoreng.
Pregnant women may often ask, where does the weight gain during pregnancy go? So, here’s the estimate:
- Baby: 3−3.6 kg.
- Placenta: 0.5−1 kg.
- Amniotic fluid: 1 kg.
- Breast: 0.5–1 kg.
- Uterus: 1 kg.
- Increase in blood volume: 1.5−2 kg.
- Increase in fluid volume: 1.5−2 kg.
- Fat reserves: 3−4 kg.
To understand more about weight during pregnancy or BMI, pregnant women can consult a doctor during a pregnancy check-up. If necessary, the obstetrician can also refer pregnant women to a nutrition specialist for dietary adjustments.
Risk of pregnancy complications if you are overweight during pregnancy
Pregnancy complications are one of the impacts that can arise when a pregnant woman is overweight.
The complications that usually occur are:
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- Gestational hypertension (high blood pressure during pregnancy).
- Gestational diabetes.
- Large baby size (macrosomia).
- Preeclampsia.
- Birth via caesarean section.
Pregnant women who are underweight during pregnancy have several risks. The two most common are premature births (birth before 37 weeks of gestation) and low birth weight (LBW). Therefore, try to keep your weight within the normal range during pregnancy.
