Questions in the Maternal and Child Health Forum have been answered by doctors from Henry Ford Health System.

Question Title: Less Weight Gain in Pregnancy

Forum: The Maternal and Child Health Forum
Topic: Pregnancy - Abnormal

My wife is now in 34 weeks of pregnancy. However she has gained only 13 pounds
weight. She Initially waighted 134 pounds, after 24 weeks the weight become
150bc. However she developed "Gestational Diabetes" at seven months and
did undergo strict diet control. She lost five pounds but again regained the
same.
I read that, normally expectrant monther gaiins 25-30ibs weight.
As such unltrasound shows that baby is OK.

I am very much concerned on this case. Please help/advise anything I can
do for this problem.

Thanks in advance.


Your wife's weight gain has been less than what is currently recommended. However, only in cases of severe caloric defiency (such as occurs during famine, etc.) have there been reported affects on the infant's birth weight. Certainly, a normal rate of growth determined on ultrasound is reassurring.

Overall, I believe that as your wife continues to gain some weight you should be allright. I would recommend your wife discuss her caloric intake with her care provider. Typically, women with gestational diabetes are placed on ADA diets to control their blood sugar levels. However, a woman should continue to gain weight at a rate of 1/2 pound per week during the first 20 weeks and 1 pound per week during the second 20 weeks. A woman should not lose weight (or fail to gain weight) due to the diabetes diet. Her calories/day should probably be increased.

 

[The Maternal and Child Health Forum]      [The Maternal and Child Health Forum Archives]