Pregnancy

1st trimester of pregnancy: Eat better, not more

At this stage of a pregnancy a mother's energy needs remain practically the same, while her daily needs for fluids and micronutrients increase. That's why a "golden rule" for the first three months of pregnancy is: Eat better, not more. Additionally, use Pharmaton^® Matruelle^® and drink plenty of fluids. Women who've used our nutrition & lifestyle tips are already on the right track - and those who haven't yet, should start reviewing those tips soon.

During the first three months their weight usually doesn't change at all, although a small increase of 2.5 kg (5 lb) is also considered normal. However, women with a BMI higher than 25 should avoid gaining any excess weight. For many women, early weight gains can be traced to their so-called "cravings" for certain foods. But the truth here is, changes in their hormone levels are likely to be behind these "cravings" - not real hunger or increased energy needs.

On the other hand, some women may be more concerned about losing too much weight - particularly in the first three months. Often, this type of weight loss is a result of "morning sickness" or vomiting as well as a loss of appetite for some foods. This, too, is a completely normal reaction, although we admit it's not especially pleasant. But even in this case, only exceptionally thin women (BMI lower than 20) need to take special precautions and make sure that they don't lose weight.

2nd trimester of pregnancy: Now the energy demands rise

In addition to higher micronutrient demands, once a pregnancy enters its 4th month the mother's energy demands also go up - by approx. 255 kcal per day. That's roughly equal to a cheese sandwich or two glasses of juice.

As energy demands rise, a mother's weight normally increases, too - by around 0.5 kg per week. But the rate at which her weight increases can also vary from week to week, e.g. one week it may rise by only 0.2 kg while in other weeks it may go up by 1.4 kg. So if variations occur: Relax, that's absolutely normal. The only thing that's important is that a mother's weight keeps increasing.

3rd trimester of pregnancy: Weight gains & water

During this "last step" of the pregnancy, a mother's energy demands remain high, with her body continuing to require approx. 255 kcal more each day. For most mothers though, weight gains during the late term of pregnancy tend to remain about 0.5 kg per week. In either case, the rapidly growing baby now accounts for most of mother’s weight gain.

Should a mother's weight increase more than 0.5 kg per week, it's often due to excess water being stored in her body tissues, known as oedema or swelling. Heavier women who had a BMI above 25 before becoming pregnant shouldn't gain more than 0.25 kg per week. Thinner women who had a BMI below 20 before becoming pregnant, however, should now try to gain now about 0.7 kg per week.