During pregnancy, it is essential to maintain a good and healthy weight. The amount of weight you gain during pregnancy is necessary for your pregnancy's and your baby's long-term health. Much of the extra weight is due to your baby growing, but your body will also be storing fat, ready to make breast milk after your baby is born.

Women who do not gain enough weight during pregnancy are usually admitted to administering fluid, ensuring they are not dehydrated. It is essential to take in enough nutrients. After all, whatever the mother takes in also goes to the baby.

Poor weight gain could also lead to the baby being underweight after birth, poor reflexes and coordination, and low blood volume, known as anaemia, which could lead to intra-uterine fetal death - the baby could die.

Excess weight gain could also be detrimental. It could cause the baby to be too big to be delivered through the birth canal leading to a cesarean section. Excess weight could also lead to diabetes during pregnancy, cardiovascular disorders and many more.

During pregnancy, a steady and healthy weight gain is expected, so watch out for sudden weight gain and visit your physician if this occurs.

This podcast talks about weight gain in pregnancy in detail. Listen to learn more about the topic.