During your second trimester, the idea is for you to gain around one pound a week. However, studies have shown that only half of women who gave birth to healthy babies without complications hit this target, while the rest gained either more or less weight [1].
Does this mean I can relax and stop monitoring my weight?
During pregnancy, your weight can tell your doctor a lot about your health, so you can’t really forget about it. Excessive weight gain in the second trimester increases your risk of gestational diabetes [2] and hypertension [3]. It also increases your chances of having a cesarean (C-section), as your baby may get too big for a safe vaginal birth [4].
In addition, an unfortunate trend has emerged in recent years with expectant mothers gaining too little weight. The unofficial term “pregorexia” describes a disordered eating behavior that manifests during pregnancy [5].
Why is it dangerous to gain too little weight?
Not gaining enough weight during pregnancy is associated with premature birth. Babies whose mothers did not put on a healthy amount of weight tend to be below their gestational age in terms of size and development, even if they are born at term [4].
What is “pregorexia”?
The term pregorexia is not medically recognized and your doctor will not use it to diagnose anything. Still, it has appeared in pregnancy literature, as some experts are worried about it. Sometimes expectant mothers are proud about the fact that they are not “showing” even though they are well into their pregnancy. They practice restrictive eating and try to increase caloric expenditure through intense physical activity. That type of behavior can hurt the baby’s development.
What is the best diet for maintaining a healthy weight during pregnancy?
There are a variety of great choices, such as the Mediterranean diet or one with a moderate glycemic level. Your main goal should be to have fewer “empty” calories and include lots of nutritious foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals. Diets designed to lower blood pressure are also a good option, as they can help maintain a healthy weight, and may reduce the risk of preeclampsia and diabetes [6].
