Are you an Obstetrics/Gynecologist?
Are you a pregnant woman (or about to be)?

If your weight prior to pregnancy is within normal according to your pre-pregnancy BMI (ranging from 19.8 to 26)

• Your recommended weight gain during pregnancy ranges from 11.5 to 16 kg (25 to 35 lb).
• A normal weight gain during your first trimester averages from 1 to 2.3 kg (2.2 to 5 lb).
• A normal weight gain during your second and third trimesters averages around 0.5 kg (1 lb) every week.
• Keep in mind that you do not need to eat for two people. Your daily caloric requirement remains the same during your first trimester, and increases by around 300 Calories during your second and third trimesters. You can achieve this with an extra glass of skim milk per day along with a small sandwich (whole grain toast bread with low fat cheese or canned tuna) or 100 mL (3 oz) of low fat yogurt and a serving of fruit.
• You may experience some weight loss during you first trimester due to your missed caloric intake resulting from morning sickness.
• Ensure adequate nutrition with healthy food choices: Fresh fruit and vegetables, fresh fruit juices and fresh vegetable juices, skim milk and non-fat dairy products, lean red meats, skinless chicken and turkey, whole grain bread.
• Avoid foods high in sugars, saturated fats, and trans-fats.

If you are underweight prior to pregnancy according to your pre-pregnant BMI (<19.8)

• Your recommended weight gain during pregnancy ranges from 12.5 to 18 kg (28 to 40 lb).
• Your healthcare provider will determine your adequate weight gain according to your height and to your pre-pregnancy weight.
• Smaller and more frequent meals can help prevent or ease morning sickness or heartburn, which might make you eat less.
• Avoid non-healthy food choices that are high in saturated fats, trans-fats and sugars. Avoid sodas, fast food meals, and processed foods, even if you are trying to gain weight.
• Examples of healthy nutrient-dense food to help boost your caloric intake: Skim milk, skim or low-fat yogurt, whole grain bread with peanut butter, or with olive oil and low fat cheese; avocadoes, fish (omega-3 fatty acids), fresh fruit ,fresh fruit juices, and nuts.
• Get into the habit of reading food labels for nutrient content.

If you are overweight or obese prior to pregnancy according to your pre-pregnant BMI (26 to 29, or >29 respectively).

• Your recommended weight gain ranges from 7 to 11.5 kg (15 to 25 lb) if overweight, and from 5 to 9 kg (11 to 20 lb) if obese.
• Keep in mind that pregnancy is absolutely not the time to lose weight. You will need to provide adequate nourishment to your growing baby.
• Your healthcare provider will determine your adequate weight gain according to your height and to your pre-pregnancy weight.
• You may notice some weight loss during your first trimester. Morning sickness can make you eat less.
• Ensure adequate nutrition by selecting healthy food choices: Fresh fruit and vegetables, fresh fruit juices and fresh vegetable juices, skim milk and non-fat dairy products, lean red meats, skinless chicken and turkey.
• Avoid foods high in sugars, saturated fats, and trans-fats. Avoid sodas, fast food meals, and processed foods, even if you are trying to gain weight.
• Get into the habit of checking food labels for nutrient content.
• Stay physically active. Talk to your doctor about which exercise is right for you.

Saturated fats are the solid fats usually found in animal sources as well as in some plant sources, such as butter, ghee, palm and coconut oils. Saturated fats are also the hidden fats in meats and high fat dairy products such as ice cream and cream cheeses. Trans-fats are the artificial fats found in restaurant deep- fried foods, and processed foods such as chips, margarine, cakes, cookies, ice cream, and non-dairy creamers.