Answer :
Final answer:
The recommended pregnancy weight gain for women at their appropriate weights is 25 - 35 pounds. This accounts for the healthy development of the fetus and maternal health during pregnancy, with a minimal weight gain in the first trimester and a more significant gain, largely due to the fetus's growth, in the last two trimesters.
Explanation:
A pregnancy weight gain of 25 - 35 pounds is recommended for women who are at their appropriate weights. This recommendation aligns with guidelines that account for healthy fetal development, as well as the mother's wellbeing. During the first trimester, typical weight gain is about 1 pound per month without the need for additional calorie intake. As the pregnancy progresses into the second and third trimesters, an extra 300 calories per day is suggested to support the fetus's rapid growth, leading to an average weight gain of about 0.45 kg (1 pound) per week.
Contributors to weight gain during pregnancy include the growing fetus, enlarged uterus, amniotic fluid, and placenta. Additional breast tissue and increased blood volume also contribute to maternal weight. It is crucial to avoid excessive calorie intake as it can lead to excessive weight gain, which poses risks to both the mother and the baby, such as the development of diabetes and obesity in late life. Moreover, during the third trimester, this is the period of the most significant fetal growth, which also contributes to the overall weight gain during pregnancy.
