Underweight Pregnancy – Risks and Tips to Gain Weight

Weight gain during pregnancy is a healthy sign of the positive development of the fetus. On the contrary, you can also see cases of underweight pregnancy. Just as being overweight during pregnancy can pose a risk, being underweight also has risks associated with it that you need to be aware of. There may be several reasons why you are not gaining enough weight, such as metabolism, morning sickness, body issues, or certain medical reasons. In this article, we are going to explore all those reasons, provide answers to commonly asked questions like ideal weight gain during pregnancy, discuss complications related to being underweight and pregnancy, and ways to counter underweight during pregnancy.

Causes of Being Underweight During Pregnancy

There could be several different reasons behind low BMI in pregnancy, which are as follows:

• Pre-pregnancy anaemia
• Morning sickness
• Excessive vomiting/hyperemesis gravidarum
• Poor pre-pregnancy diet
• Eating disorders
• Loss of appetite due to stress
• Thyroid disorders
• Improper/unbalanced diet
• Genetical conditions
• Anemia
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Intense exercise

How Many Kilos Should You Gain During Pregnancy?

Being underweight and pregnant do not go well with each other. The minimum weight of a woman should be 45 kgs before conception to be able to carry a baby safely. Anything under is considered underweight. Those who find themselves in this category are generally advised to gain an average of 28 to 40 pounds or 12 to 18 kgs, though the exact weight specifications will differ from person to person based on their circumstances.

The CDC and Mayo Clinic provide concise weight gain recommendations for pregnant women with one baby (1) (2):

To find out if you fall within the normal weight range, your BMI (Body Mass Index) needs to be calculated by your doctor. This is where your body fat is measured based on your height and weight.

What Risks and Complications Does a Low-Weight Pregnant Woman Face?

Underweight pregnancy risks can affect both you and your baby, so it should not be taken lightly. Here are some of the risks for both the mother and child:

1. Risks to the Mother

Here are some complications you are going to want to be aware of if you are underweight:

• If you are underweight, you most likely lack essential nutrients like iron and folate, increasing the risk of miscarriage.
• Premature deliveries are common in underweight women, especially occurring before week 37 of pregnancy (3).
• Underweight pregnancy problems may lead to you needing to opt for a caesarean section delivery.
• There is a chance you might develop anaemia or osteoporosis later in life, as your body may consume nutrients from the system’s reserve to cover the foetus’s needs (4).
• Your breastfeeding supply may decrease, making it more likely for you to take supplements to help with this problem.

2. Risks to the Baby

Being underweight could also lead to the following complications for your baby:

• Your baby may have low birth weight because of poor nutrition during pregnancy (5).
• If your baby is born underweight, it may lead to health issues such as hypothermia or low blood sugar in the future.
• Lack of immunity could be another issue that your baby could develop, making him vulnerable to infections.
• Your baby might be at risk of suffering from diabetes or heart-related issues in the future.
• There are some studies that point to increased infant mortality.
• Increased risk of developing cerebral palsy, learning difficulties, sight and hearing problems due to low birth weight.

How to Ensure That the Mother Receives Adequate Nutrition

There are certain parameters that need to be taken into consideration to ensure that you and your baby are getting the required nutrition during pregnancy, some of which are as follows:

• Make sure to maintain adequate folic acid levels so as to lessen the chances of developing neural tube defects.
• Consult with your doctor about starting prenatal vitamins, either through food or by taking supplements.
• Speak to a dietician so that you can get some expert advice on what diet plan is best for you to gain weight.
• Look up some innovative recipes that can help you blend great taste with nutrition.
• Drink plenty of water.

How to Gain Weight During Pregnancy When Underweight

Nothing is impossible, so if you think there is nothing you can do about your low weight, think again. There are many things that you can do to ensure you gain adequate weight during pregnancy. Here are some tips to help you deal with weight gain during pregnancy:

• The key is not to skip breakfast, as it is the most important meal of the day. Try including protein in your morning meal to help you gain weight.
• Eat more than three times a day and make sure that all your meals are balanced and healthy. Try to include snacks such as nuts, fruits, yoghurt, or healthy cheese in your diet that are high in protein and iron.
• Avoid junk food and anything processed. Treats like doughnuts, muffins, and others may help you put on weight, but offer little to no nutritional value. Since you are pregnant, you will want to choose foods that help you gain weight while providing nutritional value.
• Milk is rich in protein and calcium, and the daily intake of which can help increase weight.
• If you are a fitness enthusiast, try to give it a miss at least when you are underweight and pregnant.
• Eating food that is high in calories will help you gain weight. Eat healthy calories such as those that come from avocados, legumes, grains, pasta, peas, and beans.
• Have your salads after the main meal so that you still put on weight, even if you get full fast.

FAQs

1. What is considered low weight during pregnancy?

BMI stands for Body Mass Index, which is crucially measured during pregnancy. Experts suggest that an underweight woman with a BMI under 18.5 should have the Recommended Pregnancy Weight Gain of 13 to 19 kg. A normal weight woman with a BMI under 18.5 to 24.9 should have the Recommended Pregnancy Weight Gain of 12 to 16 kg.

2. How can I gain an ideal weight during pregnancy?

To meet the pregnancy weight gain recommendations (1):

• Add about 340 additional daily calories during the second trimester and about 450 additional daily calories during the third trimester,
• Have a balanced diet with a mix of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, low-fat dairy, and lean protein, and
• Cut down on ultra-processed, junk, added sugars and solid fats found in soft drinks, desserts, fried foods, whole milk, and fatty meats.

3. What foods help an underweight pregnant woman gain a healthy weight?

Healthy foods, such as nuts, dairy products, eggs, avocados, whole grains, smoothies, and lean proteins, can support healthy pregnancy weight gain without relying on junk food.

Being pregnant and underweight may put a few roadblocks in your pregnancy journey, but do not worry. If you consult your doctor about it and follow the advice given to you, you will be able to gain some weight in no time. Try the tips provided above, as they can help you to put on weight in a healthy way.

Also Read:

Overweight Pregnancy
Increase Fetal Weight while Pregnant
Safe Ways of Losing Weight during Pregnancy
How Much Weight Should You Gain during Pregnancy?

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Sources References

1. CDC – Weight Gain During Pregnancy

2. Mayo Clinic – Pregnancy weight gain: What’s healthy?

3. OASH – Weight, fertility, and pregnancy

4. National Library of Medicine – In Underweight Women, Insufficient Gestational Weight Gain Is Associated with Adverse Obstetric Outcomes

5. Tommy’s – Underweight during pregnancy