Pregnancy Weight Gain Calculator

Weight gain during pregnancy is a natural part of the journey towards motherhood. It is important for both the health of the mother and the developing baby. To help expectant mothers and healthcare professionals monitor healthy weight gain during pregnancy, a pregnancy weight gain calculator can be a useful tool.

A pregnancy weight gain calculator is an online tool or mobile application that helps estimate the ideal weight gain range based on the mother's pre-pregnancy weight, height, age, and gestational age.

Possible complications of sub-optimal weight gain

Sub-optimal weight gain during pregnancy, whether excessive or inadequate, can increase the risk of complications for both the mother and the baby. Here are some potential complications of sub-optimal weight gain during pregnancy:

• Gestational Diabetes: Excessive weight gain during pregnancy can increase the risk of gestational diabetes, a condition where high blood sugar develops during pregnancy and can lead to complications.
• Pre-eclampsia: Inadequate weight gain during pregnancy can increase the risk of pre-eclampsia, a condition where high blood pressure can occur, which can be dangerous for both the mother and the baby.
• Preterm birth: Inadequate weight gain during pregnancy can increase the risk of preterm birth, where the baby is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy, which can lead to several complications, such as breathing difficulties, infections, and developmental issues.
• Low birth weight: Inadequate weight gain during pregnancy can also increase the risk of low birth weight, where the baby is born weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces. It can also increase the risk of infections, breathing difficulties, and developmental delays in the baby.
• Fetal macrosomia: Excessive weight gain during pregnancy can increase the risk of fetal macrosomia, where the baby is larger than average for its gestational age, increasing the risk of complications, such as shoulder dystocia (when the baby's shoulder gets stuck during delivery).

What to take and what to avoid during pregnancy

It is important to maintain a well-balanced and nutritious diet to support the growth and development of the baby, as well as to ensure the mother's overall health.

What to eat:

• Fruits and vegetables: Include a variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet as they provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fibre. Aim for a rainbow of colours to ensure a diverse range of nutrients.
• Whole grains: Opt for whole grain options like whole wheat bread, brown rice, oats, and quinoa. They are rich in fibre and provide sustained energy.
• Lean protein: Include lean sources of protein such as poultry, fish, eggs, legumes, and tofu. Protein is crucial for the baby's growth and development.
• Dairy products: Consume dairy products like milk, yoghurt, and cheese, as they are excellent sources of calcium, protein, and other essential nutrients. Choose low-fat or skim varieties whenever possible.
• Iron-rich foods: Consume iron-rich foods like lean red meat, poultry, fish, legumes, spinach, and fortified cereals. Iron helps in the production of red blood cells and helps prevent anaemia.
• Plenty of fluids: Stay hydrated by drinking an adequate amount of water throughout the day. You can also include herbal teas, fresh fruit juices (in moderation), and soups.

What to avoid:

• Certain seafood: Avoid high-mercury fish such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish. Instead, choose low-mercury options like salmon, shrimp, catfish, and light tuna.
• Raw or undercooked foods: To prevent the risk of foodborne illnesses, avoid consuming raw or undercooked meats, eggs, seafood, and unpasteurised dairy products.
• Deli meats and unpasteurised cheeses: These can potentially contain harmful bacteria such as Listeria, which can cause complications during pregnancy. Heat meats until steaming hot, and opt for pasteurised cheeses.
• Excessive caffeine: Limit your caffeine intake to 200 mg per day, which is approximately one cup of coffee. High caffeine intake has been associated with an increased risk of miscarriage and preterm birth.
• Alcohol: It is advisable to avoid alcohol altogether during pregnancy as it can cause birth defects and developmental issues.
• Artificial sweeteners: Some artificial sweeteners, such as saccharin and aspartame, should be avoided or consumed in moderation. Stevia and erythritol are considered safe alternatives.
• Unwashed produce: Thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables to remove any potential pesticide residue or harmful bacteria.

Disclaimer: The pregnancy weight gain calculator is intended for informational purposes only. The information provided by the pregnancy weight gain calculator should not be used as a sole determinant for making decisions regarding diet, exercise, or medical treatments during pregnancy. It is important to consult with an obstetrician, or registered dietitian, for comprehensive and personalised advice tailored to your specific needs.