Normal Pregnancy Weight Gain Breakdown

Weight gain during pregnancy is inevitable- it's gonna happen! Every woman wants to know WHAT is the lucky number that doctors suggest pregnant women gain throughout their pregnancy. The answer is 25-35 pounds. However, unfortunately most women will gain more due to the misconception of the "eating for two" myth. There's no reason to eat for two because the baby is already getting everything mama gets. Luckily, my husband is a diet therapist who teaches healthy prenatal classes and he helps me a lot with prenatal nutrition. Right now I'm at 8 weeks and 4 days pregnant and no weight gain just yet, but I know it's to come. Wanna know what all that weight accounts for? You might be wondering why since the baby only weighs on average 7 pounds. Here's the breakdown:

• 7 1/2 pounds is about how much the baby will weigh by the end of pregnancy.
• 1 1/2 pounds is how much the placenta weighs.
• 4 pounds is attributed to increased fluid volume.
• 2 pounds is the weight of the uterus.
• 2 pounds is the weight of breast tissue.
• 4 pounds is because of increased blood volume.
• 7 pounds is attributed to maternal stores of fat, protein and other nutrients.
• 2 pounds for the amniotic fluid.
• Total: 30 pounds

As you can see, other things are weighing you down than just a baby! Try your best to eat 6 healthy small meals a day and exercise often so you won't be like a majority of women and gain excess weight.