Applying weight gain parameters such as these offers providers a measurable variable with which to evaluate pregnancy during the prenatal period.ĪCOG makes these recommendations in an effort to help women avoid the assumed risks of too little or too much weight gain and excessive postpartum weight. Typically, underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese women are instructed to gain 28-40 lbs, 25-35 lbs, 15-25 lbs, and 11-20 lbs respectively (ACOG). However, they do adjust the guidelines to accommodate the unique needs of mothers of multiples. They make no differentiation for a woman’s ethnic background, age, or parity. Emphasis on adequate nutrition throughout the childbearing years, with particular attention to the increased nutrient needs during pregnancy proves to be of greater importance than encouraging maternal weight gain to fit within prescribed parameters.Ĭurrently ACOG recommends a set of weight gain parameters based on self reported pre-pregnancy BMI (body mass index). On the contrary, many women gain above the recommended limits and have positive birth experiences and healthy babies. This failure of most women to meet the guidelines, many gaining more than the recommended amount, has not resulted in predictably poor birth outcomes from the excessive weight gain. Though weight gain guidelines in pregnancy have been recommended by obstetric providers for years, less than thirty percent of women currently meet the given standards (Carmichael).
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