Introduction

Pregnancy is a state of having an implanted embryo in the

uterus until such a time that it is terminated

Maternal weight gain is part of physiological changes that

occur during pregnancy

Weight gain in pregnancy are most easily measured

parameters of adequate nutrition

Foetal growth is dependent on adequate transfer of

nutrients and oxygen across the placenta
Purpose of Weight Gain

Provides nutrients for the developing foetus

To provide a healthy birth weight

Prevent health risks of foetus

Prepare body for delivery

Maternal weight gain
Gain the weight at a slow steady rate

ACOG recommends 11.5-16kg (25-35Ib) in

singleton pregnancy

Under weight women may gain more

Obese women gain 7-11.5kg

Average weight gain is 12.5kg

Maternal weight gain contd

Weight gain varies within trimesters

In 1st trimester 1kg

5kg each in 2nd and 3rd trimesters

0.35kg per/wk in 1st 20weeks

0.5kg per/wk thereafter

Where Does the Weight Go?

Foetus accounts for 1/3 of normal wt gain

Baby 3.50kg Uterus 0.90kg

Amniotic fluid 0.90kg Blood 1.81kg

Placenta 0.68kg Body fluids 1.81kg

Breasts 0.90kg Body fat 3.18kg

Foetal weight gain
The foetal weight at 12wks is 12-15g

At 16wks is 100g

At 22wks is 500g

At 28wks is 1000g

Foetus gains 2.5-3.5g/day

200g/wk from 28wks till birth

The average birth weight in Nigeria is 3.2kg

Assessment of weight gain

Measuring scale (mother)

SFH

Master (SFH X Abdominal girth)

Johnson (SFH 11 x 155) when engaged

(SFH 12 x 155) when not engaged
Ultrasound
Obese pregnancy

BMI over 30

Larger birth weight

Increase risk of pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes

Defects in unborn child

Greater chance for child to be over weight

Underweight pregnancy

BMI under 18.5

Small birth weights

Birth defects with deficient key nutrients

Can lead to eating disorders in later life

conclusion
Prevent the excess weight gain prior to pregnancy

Gain weight slowly and gradually

Meet all nutrient and energy needs and no more

Monitor pregnancy with physician

Thank you