Greater weight gain in smaller women increases the risks for problems at the time of delivery. It may hard to evaluate weight gain if you begin to retain fluid at the end of your pregnancy. Talk with your physician about this possibility if you notice your ankles or fingers begin to swell. We know that adequate weight gain is important for the health of both mother and child. But beyond that, individual recommendations and close monitoring by the obstetrician are critical for a healthy high risk pregnancy.
Teens have higher risk pregnancies.
The younger the girl, the higher the pregnancy risk and, generally, the higher the weight gain recommendation. Women who are pregnant with twins or multiples should obviously gain more weight than women who have single fetus pregnancies. One study showed optimal outcomes were associated with weight gain of 44 pounds for twin pregnancies. Some women dread the thought of gaining weight. It's important to realize that normal weight gain during a pregnancy is not laying down as much maternal fat stores as one may think.