You do not gain weight during pregnancy for no reason – it provides nourishment to your baby. Those extra layers protect your baby and also help you breastfeed your baby after delivery. However, it is important to gain weight within the recommended range at a steady rate, or else you will end up dealing with several problems such as varicose veins, hemorrhoids, fatigue, backache, stretch marks, and indigestion. Your body weight also includes the weight of the placenta, so it is quite natural to ask, "How much does it weigh?" Let's find out the answer now!

How Much Does a Placenta Weigh?

The placenta provides nourishment to your growing baby and weighs around 1.4lb at the time of birth. The weight may vary among different women, but the difference is not huge. There will be an increase in the weight of placenta with the progression of your pregnancy. Here is more about the weight of your baby, placenta, and other parts at different stages in pregnancy.

How Much Weight Should You Gain During Pregnancy?

After knowing "How much does a placenta weigh?" you may wonder how much weight you should be gaining throughout your pregnancy. It actually depends on your BMI before pregnancy. The following table will provide you with more details in this regard:

Rate of Weight Gain During Pregnancy

At the start of your pregnancy, you should gain 1-4.5 pounds. This applies to the entire first trimester. You should be gaining about 1-2 pounds every week during your second and third trimesters.

If at the start of your pregnancy you are already overweight or underweight, you should talk to your physicians and follow their instructions about putting on weight in a healthy way. They will also tell you what should be the rate of weight gain in your case.

What If You Are Pregnant with Twins?

When you are carrying twins, you will gain weight relatively quickly. If you start your pregnancy with normal weight and BMI, you should be gaining about 37-54 pounds. You should be gaining 31-50 pounds if you are overweight at the start of your pregnancy. Those who are obese should aim for a 25-42 pounds increase during pregnancy.

What Happens If You Gain Too Much Weight?

How much does a placenta weigh? You already know the answer, and you also know what should be the rate of weight gain at different stages in pregnancy. You may be wondering why it is so important to pay attention to your body weight in pregnancy. Gaining too much weight during pregnancy may lead to several problems including hypertension, which increases your risk of developing pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes. You may have a bigger baby that would require a C-section. Keep in mind that you should not start dieting when you are pregnant. Work with your doctor and stick to a healthy diet to avoid any complications.

What Happens If You Do Not Gain Enough Weight?

Not gaining enough weight throughout your pregnancy can result in a premature baby. Your baby may also have a low birth weight. You will also have trouble breastfeeding your baby since your body has not stored enough fat during pregnancy.

How to Eat Right to Gain Weight

To make a diet plan, you need to consider your body weight at the start of your pregnancy. If it is normal, you should be adding about 340 extra calories a day in your second trimester to gain weight in a healthy way. Take 452 extra calories a day during your third trimester. You need to make small changes to your diet to increase your intake of calories. Here are some suggestions. Keep in the following tips in mind besides "How much does a placenta weigh?"

• Include potatoes, pasta, bread, cereals, and rice in your diet. Do not put so much emphasis on starchy foods though.
• Include fruits and veggies in your diet and have at least five portions every day. Some good choices include broccoli, peas, banana, carrots, apple, and orange.
• Increase your intake of protein. You can do it by eating more of eggs, fish, and legumes.
• Enjoy dairy products. You can consume yogurt and milk, but it is better to stick with low-fat varieties to gain weight in a healthy way.
• What's more, you can have a snack between meals, which could include dried fruits and yogurt. This provides you with more calcium, protein and other nutrients. It is better to avoid food rich in sugar and fat, such as donuts, cookies and soft drinks. If you really love them, you can have them occasionally.