Why Do Women Gain Weight During Pregnancy?

Here's how those extra 35 pounds get distributed by the time your kid is ready to be born:

Baby weight: 7.5 lbs

At delivery, most full-term babies weigh between 6 and 9 pounds.

Placenta: 1.5 lbs

The placenta provides nourishment, oxygen, and hormones to the fetus while also removing waste.

Uterus: 2 lbs.

To create room for your baby, your uterus expands significantly. Your uterus was roughly 3.5 inches long and weighed only 1/6 pound before you became pregnant!

Amniotic Fluid: 2 lbs.

At around 34 weeks of pregnancy, your baby is surrounded by the most amniotic fluid. There is less of this clear, yellowish liquid by the time the baby reaches full term.

Breast Tissue: 2 lbs.

Your breasts are preparing for breastfeeding by developing.

Blood: 9 lbs.

During pregnancy, the volume of blood in your body nearly doubles.

Fluids: 4 lbs.

This is what people refer to as "water weight." You know what it's like to have swelling in your feet and ankles.

Protein, Fat, Nutrients: 7 lbs.

Those extra pounds give the energy needed for breastfeeding when you're pregnant. Your body requires the extra energy to produce milk for your kid.

Total Weight: 35 lbs.

Each pregnancy is unique! You may need to gain weight if you are underweight or expecting twins or triplets. To find out how much is healthy for you, make sure to consult your doctor!