Updates throughout to text, information, guidelines, formatting and sources, and new medical review.
For most women, pregnancy weight gain comes easily.
But for others, the problem isnt gaining too much weight its not gaining enough.
Heres how to get yourpregnancy weight gainon track, and when its time to see your doctor.
Why am I not gaining weight during pregnancy?
What is considered too little weight gain during pregnancy?
During thefirst trimesterof pregnancy, you dont need to gain any weight at all.
You may even lose a few pounds.
Thats usually perfectly okay, as long as you make up for it later on in pregnancy.
Your pregnancy weight gain should pick up in earnest, however, by thesecond trimester.
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What happens if you dont gain enough weight during pregnancy?
A lack of weight gain is usually perfectly normal in the first trimester.
Tiny fetuses have tiny nutritional needs.
The same isnt true if youre falling short of your recommended weight gain by the second trimester.
As your baby gets bigger, calories andnutrientswill be increasingly in demand.
To keep up, you’ll need to increase your weight at a steady pace.
Your doctor or prenatal nutritionist can help create a meal plan for you.
How to gain more weight during pregnancy
It sounds obvious, but it’s worth repeating.
If you’reeating the recommended calories during pregnancyand you’re not gaining weight fast enough, you should eat more.
Or toss a couple of scoops of powdered milk into hot cereal or scrambled eggs.
Some research suggests that adding protein supplements to your meals can also help you gain weight.
Eat strategically
Its important todrink plenty of water during pregnancyto stay hydrated.
And fruits and vegetables are a staple of a healthy pregnancy diet.
That said, both beverages and calorie-light dishes can put a damper on your appetite.
Eat more often
Try not to skip meals, even if youre feeling nauseous.
Eating smaller, frequent meals also helps combat morning sickness.
Don’t feel like eating?
Make yourself a thick smoothie and fortify it with wheat germ.
Just double-check youre eating enough to hit your fitness and caloric goals.
Its especially important if your workout involves high-intensity exercise or lasts longer than 45 minutes.
Talk to your doctor to see if you have any physical activity restrictions.
You may also be dehydrated, which can be a problem for both you and your baby.
Be sure to let your doctor know if your morning sickness is severe.
Signs of hyperemesis gravidarum include not being able to keep food or liquids down and losing weight.
Your practitioner may prescribe lifestyle changes or medication to help you manage the condition.
Speak honestly with your practitioner about past or present disordered eating.
