Show If you realize that you’ve indulged a little too much since you've gotten pregnant, don’t panic. Lots of women have that "oops" moment when it comes to their pregnancy weight gain — when they step on the scale and discover they’ve gained more than the recommended weight during the trimester they're in. In fact, 48 percent of American moms gain too much weight during pregnancy, according to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Sometimes it’s because they’ve taken "eating for two" just a tad too literally, relishing sweet release from regular dieting. Sometimes it’s because they’ve found comfort from morning sickness can come in high-calorie packages (ice cream, saltine crackers or bread, anyone?). Whatever your reason for packing on a few too many pounds, all is not lost. The real problem arises when you gain above and beyond your recommended weight gain throughout the course of your pregnancy. Here's more on what to do if you're putting on too many pounds too quickly while you're pregnant. How much weight should I gain during pregnancy?It depends on your pre-pregnancy weight and BMI, but the general recommended pregnancy weight gain for "normal weight" women is between 25 and 35 pounds. You'll probably need to gain a little more if you're underweight and a little less if you're overweight before you get pregnant. Your doctor is the best one to assess your weight, metabolism and BMI, and tell you what you should be gaining throughout pregnancy and by trimester. How do I get my pregnancy weight gain back on track?If you’ve raced past the target weight gain that your OB/GYN or midwife is discussing with you at your weekly appointments, you can’t apply what you’ve gained so far to the rest of your pregnancy (unfortunately!). But you can aim to keep your gain on target for the rest of your pregnancy. These steps can help you get your weight gain back on track:
What are the risks of gaining too much weight during pregnancy?Gaining too much weight during pregnancy puts moms and their babies at risk for health problems both during pregnancy and after, including:
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