In the second trimester, weight gain gets a little more important. As Baby gets larger, your body also grows to accommodate their expanding frame. Baby‘s bones get stronger, they develop a strong protective coating, and their organs begin to function. Amazing!
You can see why you’ll need a little extra nutrition at this point in your pregnancy.
Second trimester: how much should you gain?
The amount of weight you’ll need to gain in the second trimester really depends on your pre-pregnancy weight.
- If you were underweight: You’ll probably need to gain between 1-1.3 pounds per week.
- Normal weight: You’ll likely need to gain about one pound per week in the second trimester.
- Overweight: You’ll probably need to gain a little under a pound a week, maybe between 0.5-0.7 pounds per week.
- Obese: You’ll probably need to gain 0.4-0.6 pounds per week.
Calorie-wise, this amounts to about 300-400 extra calories a day, or 2,200 calories per day in your second trimester.
Other ways to stay healthy in the second trimester
Here are some other ways to stay healthy this trimester.
- Nutrition: Make sure you’re eating mostly whole grains, vegetables, fruits, low-fat dairy, lean protein, and taking a prenatal vitamin. Let your provider know if you ever have cravings for nonfood items, like clay, dirt, or ice chips (it could be a condition called pica).
- Physical activity: Your physical symptoms should lessen in the second trimester, meaning it’s a great time to start getting regular exercise again. Try to fit in some physical activity every day (but make sure your workouts or activities are approved by your provider first).
- Monitor your weight gain: Gaining too much or too little can have negative effects for a mom and her baby, so weighing yourself regularly will help you know if you’re on track with your weight gain.
Final tip: talk to your provider!
Speaking of your provider, make sure to talk with him or her about weight gain goals throughout your pregnancy. Your provider can give you tips about all kinds of things including managing your weight gain in the upcoming months.
Sources
- Mayo Clinic Staff. “Second trimester pregnancy: What to expect.” MayoClinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Jun 2017. Web. Accessed 7/12/17. Available at http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/pregnancy/art-20047732?pg=1.
- Mayo Clinic Staff. “Fetal development: The 2nd trimester.” MayoClinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Jul 2017. Web. Accessed 7/12/17. Available at http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/fetal-development/art-20046151?pg=1.
- “Weight Gain During Pregnancy.” ACOG. Committee Opinion No. 548 from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Jan 2013. Web. Accessed 7/12/17. Available at https://www.acog.org/Resources-And-Publications/Committee-Opinions/Committee-on-Obstetric-Practice/Weight-Gain-During-Pregnancy.
- “Weight gain during pregnancy: Reexamining the Guidelines.” NationalAcademies. Institute of Medicine of the National Academies, May 2009. Web. Accessed 7/12/17. Available at http://www.nationalacademies.org/hmd/~/media/Files/Report%20Files/2009/Weight-Gain-During-Pregnancy-Reexamining-the-Guidelines/Report%20Brief%20-%20Weight%20Gain%20During%20Pregnancy.pdf.
- “Eating right during pregnancy.” MedlinePlus. US National Library of Medicine, Oct 2016. Web. Accessed 7/12/17. Available at https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000584.htm.
