Weight gain is a normal part of pregnancy. Gestational weight gain has been shown be to be a strong predictor of short- and long-term health outcomes for both pregnant mothers and their babies.1 Babies born to mothers who gain more weight during pregnancy are less likely to be born at a low birth weight or to be small for their gestational age1, thus, ‘eating for two’ is often encouraged amongst pregnant women. Despite this, however, it is important to note that both very low and very high gestational weight gain are associated with increased health risks to the pregnant mother and her baby.1
Weight gain during pregnancy - how much and why
February 2024
Weight gain is a normal part of pregnancy. Gestational weight gain has been shown be to be a strong predictor of short- and long-term health outcomes for both pregnant mothers and their babies.1 Babies born to mothers who gain more weight during pregnancy are less likely to be born at a low birth weight or to be small for their gestational age1, thus, ‘eating for two’ is often encouraged amongst pregnant women. Despite this, however, it is important to note that both very low and very high gestational weight gain are associated with increased health risks to the pregnant mother and her baby.1