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Is A Slowing Weight Gain A Risk Indicator During Pregnancy?
Hi - I am 31 weeks pregnant and have had excellent obstetric care and have followed an appropriate diet, taken prescribed vitamins etc. My weight gain has been relatively consistent i.e. I went from pre-prenancy weight of 125lbs to 150lbs. Over the last 4 weeks my weight gain as been relatively slow e.g. 3 to 4 lbs. Today at my regular bi-monthly appointment the baby s heart rate was strong, movement regular and all prenatal tests have not presented concerns. My last ultrasound at 19 week ultrasound returned a on progress results. Today my doc mention that he d like another ultrasound to make sure growth was on track, especially because of my age 45 (conceived via donor egg). He said I shouldn t worry...of course I am. Is a slowing weight gain a risk indicator? Thanks for your insight.
posted on
Thu, 13 Mar 2014
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Fri, 9 Oct 2015
Answered on
Fri, 9 Oct 2015
Last reviewed on
Hello and I hope I can help you today.
It is excellent that you have maintained a healthy first and weight during your pregnancy. Your body supplies the baby preferentially with nutrients, so even if you lose weight, the baby can be just fine and not have problems with growth. A full term fetus needs only 200 calories a day of nutrition.
So if the ultrasound your OB performed showed that the baby is growing fine, it doesn't matter that your body weight has not increased. I agree with your doctor's plan to continue to monitor you closely but your situation is very common and is no reason to worry. You can afford to treat yourself to a treat or two if you haven't put on weight in a while!
Best of luck with the rest of the pregnancy, Dr. Brown
It is excellent that you have maintained a healthy first and weight during your pregnancy. Your body supplies the baby preferentially with nutrients, so even if you lose weight, the baby can be just fine and not have problems with growth. A full term fetus needs only 200 calories a day of nutrition.
So if the ultrasound your OB performed showed that the baby is growing fine, it doesn't matter that your body weight has not increased. I agree with your doctor's plan to continue to monitor you closely but your situation is very common and is no reason to worry. You can afford to treat yourself to a treat or two if you haven't put on weight in a while!
Best of luck with the rest of the pregnancy, Dr. Brown
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