How Much Weight Should I Gain in Pregnancy?

I get asked this question all the time. I've always answered conservatively and usually answered around 25 lbs unless the woman is overweight then less is safer.

So it was nice to hear yesterday on the radio and this morning in the Globe and Mail's Life section that new guidelines were released giving more specific guidelines for women that are overweight (BMI of 25-30) and obese (BMI over 30).

Overweight women should aim for between 15-25 lbs while obese women should aim for 11- 20 lbs. Overweight and obese women are at a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes and preeclampsia and they have higher rates of miscarriage and c-section. The babies of these women are more likely to be a lower birth weight which can in turn cause problems for the baby.

I think one of the important things about these new guidelines is that it should put more emphasis on women trying to get healthy and be an optimal weight before pregnancy. And of course not to put the onus only on women ... it is equally important for men to be at an optimal health as well prior to conception to increase sperm quality and numbers!