Healthy Pregnancy and Baby Weight

If you're worried you'll gain too much pregnancy weight, have no fear. It's vital for your future baby's growth and development. Here are three healthy ways to help you gain just the right amount of baby weight. First, know your number. Women who start at a normal body weight should gain about 25 to 35 pounds. Underweight women should gain 28 to 40 pounds and overweight women should gain between 15 and 25 pounds.

Women who are obese should gain 11 to 20 pounds. Be sure to weigh yourself at the same time each week. Expect to gain between 1 and 4 pounds during the first trimester. And during your second and third trimesters, expect to gain about 2 to 4 pounds each month. Now, if you're gaining weight too quickly, try having smaller portions at each meal and snack and cut back on high-calorie oils and salad dressings and sugary or fatty foods, and try to eat more often at home and walk more. If you're gaining too little weight, be sure to add some extra oil when you're preparing your foods and boost your intake of nuts and nut butters, lean protein, and low-fat dairy foods.