Controlling weight gain in pregnancy is critical to help prevent the onset of problems such as gestational diabetes or preeclampsia, which are related to excessive weight gain during pregnancy.
The best way to control weight in pregnancy is to eat healthy foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, white meats, fish and eggs, thus avoiding foods with excess fats and sugars. In addition, you should practice a daily physical activity of light intensity such as pilates, yoga, water aerobics or walk 30 minutes every day. See also: Feeding in pregnancy.
To control weight in pregnancy it is necessary to know the Body Mass Index or BMI before the woman gets pregnant and consult the chart and chart of weight gain during pregnancy because these tools allow to monitor the weight gain each week of pregnancy.
1.How to Calculate BMI Before Getting Pregnant?
To calculate BMI, it is necessary to record the height and weight of the pregnant woman before becoming pregnant. Then divide the weight by height x height, as shown in the image.
For example, a woman who is 1.60 meters tall and weighs 70 kg before pregnancy has a BMI of 27.3 kg / m2.
2.How to check the weight gain table in pregnancy?
To consult the table of weight gain, it is enough to see where the calculated BMI fits and to which weight gain corresponds.
| BMI | Classification of BMI | Recommended weight gain during pregnancy | Classification of weight gain |
| <18.5 | Underweight | 12 to 18 kg | THE |
| 18.5 to 24.9 | Normal | 11 to 15 kg | B |
| 25 to 29.9 | Overweight | 7 to 11 kg | W |
| > 30 | Obesity | Up to 7 kg | D |
Thus, if the woman has a BMI of 27.3 kg / m2, it means that she was overweight before becoming pregnant and could gain between 7 and 11 kg during pregnancy.
3. How to consult the graph of weight gain in pregnancy?
To consult the graph of weight gain in pregnancy the woman to see according to the week of gestation how many more pounds should have. For example, a woman with a C-weight gain rating at 22 weeks should have 4 to 5 kg more than in early pregnancy.
A woman who is overweight or obese before becoming pregnant should be followed by a nutritionist for a complete and balanced diet that provides all the necessary nutrients for the mother and the baby without the mother becoming overweight.
