Causes of slow or no weight gain in pregnancy include:

• A fast metabolism.
• Morning sickness.
• Appetite loss.
• Concerns over body image.
• Other medical reasons.

When most women are pregnant, they focus on their growing baby, but they may not be aware of their lack of weight gain, or the need to have routine weight checks during pregnancy. Causes of slow or no weight gain include: a fast metabolism; morning sickness; appetite loss; concerns over body image and other medical reasons.

There are many reasons you may have a slow or no weight gain in pregnancy. Some of the most common reasons include a fast metabolism, morning sickness, appetite loss, concerns over body image, and other medical reasons.

There are several reasons for the slow or no weight gain during pregnancy. One of them is your fast metabolism, which can cause you to lose weight during pregnancy. Another common reason is morning sickness, which may cause you to lose your appetite and inadvertently affect your weight. Your body image concerns may also be a contributing factor. Furthermore there are medical factors that could lead to no weight gain during pregnancy like thyroid problems, PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), Polyhydramnios (increased amniotic fluid), vitamin deficiencies, eating disorders and more

Weight gain during pregnancy is generally normal, but the rate of weight gain may slow or stop for a variety of reasons. Although this can be concerning, it does not necessarily mean that anything is wrong with mother or baby.

Not Gaining Weight in Pregnancy Second Trimester

During the first trimester of pregnancy, you don’t need to gain any weight at all. You may even lose a few pounds. That’s usually perfectly okay, as long as you make up for it later on in pregnancy. 

Your pregnancy weight gain should pick up in earnest, however, by the second trimester. The least amount of weight you should gain during pregnancy depends on how much you weighed before you conceived, among other factors. If you had a higher body mass index (BMI) before pregnancy, you typically need to gain less weight than if you started out pregnancy with a lower one.

By the second trimester, you should aim to gain the following:

• Underweight (BMI under 18.5) before pregnancy: About 1 pound per week (for 28 to 40 total pounds during pregnancy)
• Normal BMI (18.5 to 24.9) before pregnancy: Less than 1 pound per week (for 25 to 35 pounds total during pregnancy)
• Overweight (BMI 25 to 29.9) before pregnancy: About 0.6 pounds per week (for 15 to 25 pounds total during pregnancy)
• Obese (BMI 30 or more) before pregnancy: About 0.5 pounds per week (for 11 to 20 pounds total during pregnancy)

If you’re carrying twins, you need to gain roughly 50 percent more weight (give or take, again depending on your pre-pregnancy weight).

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What happens if you don’t gain enough weight during pregnancy?

Not gaining enough weight over the course of your pregnancy can put you and your baby at greater risk of complications. Babies whose mothers gain too little weight during pregnancy are more likely to:

• Be born prematurely
• Be small for their gestational age
• Suffer growth restriction in the uterus

Some babies who are born small may have trouble breastfeeding and be at greater risk for illnesses and missing developmental milestones.

A lack of weight gain is usually perfectly normal in the first trimester. Tiny fetuses have tiny nutritional needs.

The same isn’t true if you’re falling short of your recommended weight gain by the second trimester. As your baby gets bigger, calories and nutrients will be increasingly in demand. To keep up, you’ll need to increase your weight at a steady pace.

How to gain more weight during pregnancy

It sounds obvious, but it’s worth repeating. If you’re eating the recommended calories during pregnancy and you’re not gaining weight fast enough, you should eat more.

It’s easier said than done, but try not to stress if you’re not gaining the advised weight. Your doctor or a registered dietitian can help create a meal plan for you. 

In the meantime, here are a few tips to help you put on more weight during pregnancy: 

Choose nutrient-dense foods 

If you’ve lost your appetite, focus on high-quality calories in small packages filled with healthy fats, protein and fiber. Nutrient-rich options include:

• Avocados
• Nuts and nut butter
• Fatty fish (like salmon)
• Olive oil
• Beans 
• Peas
• Whole grain bread, cereal and pasta
• Oatmeal
• Brown rice 
• Lean meat or poultry
• Plain Greek yogurt
• Dried fruit
• Eggs
• Cheese

Add a caloric punch to your dishes

Try dosing your dishes with an extra tablespoon of calorie-dense olive oil, butter, cream cheese, sour cream or cheese. Or toss a couple of scoops of powdered milk in hot cereal or scrambled eggs.

Some research suggests that adding protein supplements to your meals can help you gain weight. Talk to your doctor to make sure you get the right amount, since overdoing it on protein may limit a baby’s growth.

Eat strategically

It’s important to drink plenty of water during pregnancy to stay hydrated. And fruits and vegetables are a staple of a healthy pregnancy diet. They provide your baby with folic acid, a vitamin that helps form healthy cells and reduces the risk of birth defects like spina bifida. 

That said, both beverages and calorie-light dishes can put a damper on your appetite. Instead of starting your meal with a salad or big glass of water, save the beverages and greens for after your main course. 

Don’t turn to junk foods

While it might be tempting to fill the caloric gap with doughnuts, try to resist the urge. Processed, sugary or greasy foods will add weight but not nutrition. Right now, you and your baby need both. 

Eat more often

Try not to skip meals, even if you’re feeling nauseous. Instead of eating three large meals a day, try having six smaller snack-sized bites every two hours or so. Eating smaller, frequent meals also helps combat morning sickness. 

Don’t feel like eating? Make yourself a thick smoothie and fortify it with wheat germ. 

Compensate for exercise

Have a regular exercise routine? Exercise during pregnancy is excellent for your health and your baby’s in most cases. Just be sure to check in with your practitioner on your fitness program and make sure you’re eating enough to hit your caloric goals. 

To make up for a sweat session, eat at a nutrient-dense snack around the time you exercise. It’s especially important if your workout involves high-intensity exercise or lasts longer than 45 minutes. 

When to see the doctor

Sometimes, severe and continuous nausea and vomiting can keep you from gaining weight during pregnancy. If you’re among the 1 to 3 percent of women who develop hyperemesis gravidarum, your baby may not be getting the vital nutrients and vitamins he needs to grow. You may also be dehydrated, which can be a problem for both you and your baby. 

Be sure to let your doctor know if your morning sickness is severe. Signs of hyperemesis gravidarum include not being able to keep food or liquids down and losing weight. Your practitioner may prescribe lifestyle changes or medication to help you manage the condition.

Finally, if you’ve struggled with an eating disorder in the past, it can be challenging to accept pregnancy weight gain. Speak honestly with your practitioner about past or present disordered eating. He or she may recommend seeing a registered dietitian with expertise in eating disorders for extra guidance. Building a supportive team can make it easier to ask for help when you need it. Remember that gaining weight is essential for your baby’s growth and health.If you’re struggling with pregnancy weight gain by your second trimester, talk to your doctor. Your practitioner or a registered dietitian can offer tools to help you maintain a healthy amount of weight gain.

Not Gaining Weight in Pregnancy Third Trimester

Did you know, it is not just okay for a pregnant woman to pack on some pounds, it is vital as well? A spike in the number on your weighing scale must make you happy and content. Most women complain about gaining too much weight. But the problem lies when you experience no weight gain in pregnancy. Are you one of those women? Your doctor at Ujala can help!

What Are The Causes Of No Weight Gain During Pregnancy?

Almost every woman witnesses a positive spike in her weight within a few months of conceiving except for a few. Are you one of those women who is not gaining any prenatal weight? Several factors contribute to pregnant women not gaining weight, eating fewer calories being one of them. Here are some of the other causes of no weight gain during pregnancy!

• Loss of appetite
• Morning sickness
• A fast metabolism
• Concern over your body image
• Other medical conditions

Most doctors do not expect a pregnant woman to gain weight during her first trimester. It is perfectly normal since the fetus is small, and so are the nutritional needs. Women sometimes lose weight which they pick up in their second trimester when the fetus’s nutritional needs increase.

Is There Anything Called Too Little Weight Gain?

The weight you must gain during pregnancy will depend on how much you weighed before you conceived. For instance, if you are obese or even overweight, you must gain less weight than women who fall under normal weight and underweight.

Ideal weight gain during the second trimester

• Women who were underweight before pregnancy must gain approximately 500 grams a week and between 13 to 18 kilograms throughout their pregnancy.
• Before pregnancy, women with a normal weight gain approximately 500 grams a week, and between 11 to 16 kilograms throughout their pregnancy.
• Before pregnancy, women who were overweight must gain approximately 275 grams a week and between 7 to 11 kilograms throughout their pregnancy.
• Before pregnancy, women who were obese must gain approximately 225 grams a week and between 5 to 9 kilograms throughout their pregnancy.
• Women carrying twins must gain 50% more weight depending on their pre-pregnancy weight.

What Happens If You Experience Too Little Or No Weight Gain In Pregnancy?

Are you experiencing no weight gain during pregnancy? Did you know that not gaining sufficient weight can present you as well as your baby with the risk of complications? If you do not experience ideal weight gain, your baby may suffer growth restrictions in the uterus. Your baby will be small for their gestational age and is most likely to be born prematurely.

Babies who are born prematurely are at greater risk of illnesses. Some babies have difficulty breastfeeding and may face developmental issues. Your doctor at Ujala will recommend a nutritionist who can help you gain weight and avoid these complications.

How Can I Improve My Weight During Pregnancy?

No weight gain during pregnancy is a complication that needs to be addressed immediately. At Ujala, your doctor will ensure that you are in sound health before recommending a nutritionist who will help you improve your weight during pregnancy. Here is what you can do by yourself.

• Follow a diet that is rich in nutrients.

It is common for pregnant women to lose interest in food. But remember, it is vital to choose a diet that is rich in nutrition for your baby’s health. If you have lost your appetite, try consuming small quantities of food high in protein, fibres, and healthy fat. Some of the best nutrient-rich food include:

1. Avocados
2. Beans
3. Brown rice 
4. Cheese
5. Dried fruit
6. Eggs
7. Fatty fish (like salmon)
8. Lean meat or poultry
9. Nut butter
10. Nuts 
11. Oatmeal
12. Olive oil
13. Peas
14. Plain Greek yoghurt
15. Whole-grain bread, pasta and cereal

• Don’t forget to add protein and calories.

While most people avoid calories, a pregnant woman must consume them to gain weight. You can include butter, cheese, cream cheese, eggs, olive oil, powdered milk, or sour cream in your diet. Talk to your nutritionist at Ujala to make sure you get the right amount of protein and calories.

• Eat strategically

When you are pregnant, it is vital to eat strategically to provide the required nutrition for your baby, and you need to gain weight and stay healthy. Eating the right amount of fruits and vegetables, staying hydrated, and taking folic acid supplements can reduce the risk of congenital disabilities. While salads and water are essential, save them for after your big meal.

• Say no to junk food

While it is easy to gain weight by consuming junk food, a pregnant woman requires more nutrition than a non-pregnant woman. Binging on junk food does not provide the nutrition that you and your baby need.

• Don’t skip meals

Feeling nauseous is a part of being pregnant. But do not let feeling nauseous dictate eating habits. Make sure that you don’t skip meals. You must eat three small meals a day in addition to six small bite-sized snacks. Consuming smaller and frequent meals can help combat nausea.

• Compensate for the exercise you do

Exercise during pregnancy is the best way to stay healthy. But don’t forget to compensate for the exercise you do. Make sure to eat enough to reach your calorie goals. It is ideal to eat nutrient-dense snacks close to your workout time.

With these tips to depend on, you can gain the right amount of healthy weight for you and your baby. But it is recommended to follow the meal plan as prescribed by your nutritionist as your meal plan is based on your weight and health.

When Should I See A Doctor?

If you are experiencing no weight gain in pregnancy, diet and lifestyle change may help you immensely. But at times, conditions such as hyperemesis gravidarum can pose a threat. Hyperemesis gravidarum is a condition where pregnant women experience continuous nausea and vomiting. 

The condition keeps you from gaining weight, and your baby will fail in getting the required vital nutrients. Hyperemesis gravidarum is a severe condition that needs immediate attention. The condition can lead to dehydration and be a problem for you and your baby.