You’re pregnant! A special time filled with changes in your body. While you’re still processing this beautiful news, you might already have a million questions. One of them might be: how much weight should you gain in the first trimester? Maybe you feel like you’ve already gained a few pounds, or none at all. Let’s dive into the facts and myths about weight gain in the first three months of pregnancy.
How much weight gain is normal in the first trimester?
Every pregnancy is different, and that includes weight gain. On average, women gain between about 1 to 4.5 pounds (0.5 and 2 kilos) in the first trimester. But many women gain nothing at all or slightly more. Your body is preparing for your baby to grow, and part of that is a change in your weight. This can be due to hormonal shifts, water retention or a changing metabolism.
What if you gain more or less?
Does this sound familiar? You’re not eating more than usual, yet your body is changing. Or the opposite: you’re feeling too nauseous to eat and your weight stays the same. Don’t worry. Both are completely normal. Gaining weight quickly doesn’t necessarily mean you’re eating too much. Some women naturally retain more fluids or feel hungrier due to hormonal changes. On the other hand, extreme nausea, such as with hyperemesis gravidarum, can lead to weight loss. In that case, it’s always good to check in with your midwife.
Nutrition in the first trimester
It’s important to eat healthy and varied, but in the first trimester, you don’t need to worry about extra calories just yet. Your baby is still small and doesn’t need much extra energy at this stage. The key is to listen to your body and eat when you’re hungry. Feeling low on energy or constantly hungry? Choose nutritious snacks like fruit, nuts or whole grain products. And don’t forget: drinking plenty of water helps reduce fluid retention and supports your body through all these changes.
Talk about the first trimester
The first trimester can feel like a rollercoaster. How nice is it to share your experience with others going through the same? In our app, you can talk with other pregnant women and find reliable information about every stage of your pregnancy. And once your baby is born, the app helps you understand the mental leaps your little one will go through. Download the app and discover how valuable it is to experience this journey together!
Weight gain or not, both are fine
There’s no magic number of pounds you ‘should’ gain in the first trimester. Every body reacts differently to pregnancy, and that’s perfectly okay. Whether you gain 4.5 pounds (2 kilos) or none at all, the most important thing is that you and your baby stay healthy. Keep listening to your body, eat well and enjoy this special time. And if you’re unsure, you can always check in with your midwife or doctor.
