Am I Gaining Enough Weight During Pregnancy?
Some women struggle to put on enough weight during pregnancy, particularly those who have a slim build prior to falling pregnant. It is not unusual for weight gain to be minimal, or even none existent during the first trimester. Those women who struggle with morning sickness in the first few months of pregnancy may even find that they lose weight initially. This will not usually be cause for alarm, although it is likely that your doctor will monitor you closely to ensure that you do start to gain weight as your pregnancy progresses. It is normal to gain more weight towards the end of pregnancy than at the start.
The major risks associated with gaining too little weight during pregnancy are premature labour and low birth weight. Furthermore, women who do not store enough fat reserves during pregnancy may find breastfeeding more difficult. Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended by the World Health Organisation, for all babies for the first six months.
