Pregnancy weight gain can be a stressor for many women. Many changes take place that impact the appetite, metabolism and hormone levels, making it difficult to control a woman's weight. Starting at a healthy weight can help prevent excessive weight gain during pregnancy. While extra body fat is a part of a healthy pregnancy, weight gain should be a steady increase. American Pregnancy suggests a woman may gain about 3 to 5 lbs. the first trimester. The overall weight gain can vary depending on the woman's starting weight. The first month's weight gain is often related to other body changes, like breast tissue changes and an increase in blood and fat, states American Pregnancy.
Fluid Increase
A number of fluids will increase in the body during pregnancy. This includes water, blood and amniotic fluid. During the first month, it is more likely for weight gain to be attributed to fluid retention and increased blood supply. By the end of pregnancy, the body may retain as much as 4 lbs. of fluid, states WomenHealthCareTopics.com. The amniotic fluid does not develop much during the first month, but as time goes on, this can account for about 2 lbs. by the time the baby is delivered. Every woman's body differs, but fluid retention may not be great until later in the pregnancy.
Breast Tissue
Breast tenderness is one of the earliest signs of pregnancy, according to American Pregnancy Association. The breast tissue can increase and swell as early as the first month of pregnancy. The first month's breast tissue increase can vary for each woman. Some may notice a prominent increase while others notice breast enlargement over the course of the entire pregnancy. By the third trimester the breasts may have increased by 1.5 lbs. up to 2 lbs., states WomensHealthCareTopics.com. This later increase includes the development of breast tissues that hold and make milk.
Blood Volume
The volume of blood in a pregnant woman's body increases quite significantly throughout pregnancy. The total possible weight gain from this can be as much as 4 lbs., states American Pregnancy. Within the first month the increase will not be quite as significant, but it can add to the first month's weight gain. The increase in blood volume is more noticeable by the end of the first trimester. A woman may find herself short of breath after the most minimal activity as a result of the slowed speed of the blood making its way back to the heart once it is pumped out.
Fat Reserves
Gaining a few pounds of fat is important for providing the necessary nutrients for both the unborn baby and the mother. By the end of pregnancy a woman can expect to gain as much as 7 lbs. of weight from added fat materials. Within the first month this increase is small. Eating a healthy diet is important in ensuring excessive fat is not gained, as this can lead to complications for mother and baby during the pregnancy and delivery.
