Weight gain and pregnancy

Having a baby is one of the few times when many women don't feel self-conscious about their weight.

But how much should you put on during pregnancy? Midwife Anne Richley has all the answers...

How much weight will I actually gain?

When you see your midwife at your antenatal appointment, she'll make a note of your weight and height, from which she can work out your BMI (Body Mass Index). The normal range is 20-25. Women who are considerably under or overweight may have additional risks, such as diabetes, high blood pressure or premature labour, and will probably need closer antenatal care.

The average weight gain during pregnancy is 9kg to 13.5kg (20-30lbs). In the first 12 weeks, most women don't gain much, if any, weight; by 20 weeks they've put on 25% of their total weight gain; by 30 weeks another 25%; and the remainder in the last 10 weeks.

You must eat a healthy, balanced diet. Some mums-to-be have no appetite in the first three months of pregnancy because of sickness, but others say they're always hungry. You may feel better eating little and often, but make sure your diet is rich in vitamins and minerals.

Is my bump too big?

Women often compare their bumps with each other and then worry that theirs is 'too big' or 'too small'. The size is dictated by many things, not just how big or small your baby is. It may be the position in which he's lying, how tall you are, how many babies you've had before and, obviously, how many you're carrying!

We don't all have average-sized babies. By talking with other pregnant women, you'll discover that you're all secretly preoccupied with each other's bumps!

- Next: More on weight gain during pregnancy

More help and advice

- Food and pregnancy: what should I be eating?
- Try our Superfood pregnancy diet
- What should I avoid when pregnant? Read our checklist
- Should you drink when pregnant? Read our expert's advice

- Want advice from other mums? Talk about it in Chat?

By Anne Richley, midwife