Final answer:
During a healthy pregnancy, a person with a 'healthy' pre-pregnancy weight can gain about 11.5 to 16 kg (25 to 35 pounds). Healthy pregnancy weight gain includes the fetus, breast tissue, blood volume, etc. A proper diet and weight management are necessary for the well-being of both mother and baby.
Step-by-step explanation:
A person with a “healthy” pre-pregnancy weight can feel comfortable gaining between 11.5 to 16 kg (25 to 35 pounds) over the course of their pregnancy. This weight gain includes the growing fetus, enlarged uterus, amniotic fluid, placenta, additional breast tissue, and increased blood volume. Body mass index (BMI) is an important measurement before pregnancy to determine a healthy pre-pregnancy weight. A normal or healthy BMI range is between 18 and 24.9 kg/m². During the first trimester, the expected weight gain is approximately 0.45 kg (1 lb) per month, with no additional calories needed. In the second and third trimesters, it's typical to consume an additional 300 calories per day and gain about 0.45 kg (1 lb) per week.
It's essential to avoid too much weight gain as this can be detrimental to both mother and baby, potentially leading to complications such as diabetes and obesity later in life for the child. Maintaining a healthy pregnancy requires a balance of proper nutrition and appropriate weight gain.