low bmi

[lcrush]

hi my girlfriend is 17 weeks and has been put into the high risk category due to having a low bmi.is this a major risk for the baby and what do they do in the extra appointments/scans etc?

many thanks

[lcrush]

ok cool thanks very much for the responses!

[Jenn28815]

I started a little underweight pre pregnancy, but I've caught up now. I was only about 10-15lbs underweight to start. So now that I've gained 21+ lbs at 27 weeks,  they aren't really worried about it. They said if I hadn't put on the weight like I have, then I'd probably be in the same boat having extra appointments and such.

[amandaball]

Im naturally under weight started this pregnancy 90lbs and im 5 feet tall. Im now 29 weeks and weigh 106. Ive never had a problem in my pregnancies this is my third. I guess it kinda depends how under weight and low her bmi is. I drink ensure plus calories for weight gain. Maybe look into something like that to help her along? I have never been categorized as high risk due to my weight but I can say that being high risk they will generally just monitor her more closely to make sure baby is growing well. That may mean extra ultrasounds and doc appointments.

[lcrush]

ok cool thanks, we just wernt sure what happens that's all and we're bit worried. thanks

[Emilee99]

I think they worry about things such as preterm labor when you aren't gaining enough or if you start underweight. I'm pregnant with twins and I'm normal weight but they made it clear that I should aim to gain at least the minimum amt of weight in my 1st and second trimester to avoid preterm labor. Her doctor will probably check her weight and ask her to gain the required amount which is a little more than she would have to gain if she was average weight. They might give you more ultrasounds too just to make sure things are progressing.