Final answer:
Ideal weight gains during pregnancy depend on the pregnancy stage, with about 0.45 kg (1 lb) per month in the first trimester and about 0.45 kg (1 lb) per week in the second and third trimesters. An additional 300 calories per day is required to support the growing fetus, and excessive calorie intake can lead to health complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ideal Weight Gains During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, the ideal weight gains vary based on prenatal weight and the stage of pregnancy. In the first trimester, there is typically no need for additional calorie intake, and a weight gain of about 0.45 kg (1 lb) per month is common. As the pregnancy progresses into the second and third trimesters, the maternal appetite usually increases, and it becomes necessary to consume an extra 300 calories per day to support the growing fetus. Most will experience a weight gain of roughly 0.45 kg (1 lb) per week during these latter stages of pregnancy.
Factors contributing to the weight gain include not just the developing fetus, but also the enlarged uterus, amniotic fluid, and placenta, additional breast tissue, and a significant increase in blood volume. Whereas, fat storage amounts to about 2.3 kg (5 lbs) throughout a normal pregnancy and act as a reserve for the caloric demands of breastfeeding. It is critical not to double caloric intake as it could lead to excessive weight gain, potentially resulting in health complications for both the mother and child, such as an increased risk of diabetes and obesity later in life.