Normal BMI for Pregnant Women, Why Should It Be Considered?

Hello Moms! During pregnancy, it's not just your little one's development that's important to pay attention to, but also your own physical condition. One important indicator is the Normal BMI for Pregnant Women. Why is BMI so important? Because BMI (Body Mass Index) can help you monitor whether your weight is ideal or poses a risk to your pregnancy and delivery later on.

For moms who are waiting for the arrival of your little one, take a moment to learn about BMI. After all, your health directly impacts your baby’s growth and development!

What is the Normal BMI for Pregnant Women?

BMI (Body Mass Index) is a measure to determine whether a mom’s weight is ideal based on her height. For pregnant women, the normal standard is different from before pregnancy. This is because the mom’s body undergoes many changes, such as increased blood volume, an enlarging uterus, and increased fat reserves in preparation for breastfeeding.

BMI in the First Trimester

In the first trimester, weight gain is usually not yet significant. Typically, moms will gain around 0.5–2 kg. Therefore, the normal BMI in the first trimester is still similar to the BMI before pregnancy. If your BMI was already ideal before pregnancy, it’s okay if the weight gain is gradual at first.

However, if your BMI was low before pregnancy (low BMI is risky during pregnancy) or too high (high BMI is risky during pregnancy), your doctor will usually provide specific guidance. Both too low and too high BMI can affect fetal growth and development.

BMI in the Second Trimester

As you enter the second trimester, your appetite typically begins to increase. Weight gain can be around 0.5 kg per week. This increase is crucial for supporting the development of the baby’s vital organs. Therefore, normal weight gain in the second trimester will be higher than in the first trimester.

Don’t worry too much about gaining weight, moms. The important thing is that the increase is still controlled according to the doctor’s advice. Most of this weight will disappear after childbirth and breastfeeding.

BMI in the Third Trimester

In the third trimester, the fetus grows larger and the amniotic fluid increases. Moms' weight can increase by about 5–6 kg during this period. That is why the normal BMI in the third trimester will be higher. However, moms still need to be careful not to gain too much weight.

A BMI that is too high can result in a large baby (macrosomia), increasing the risk of a cesarean delivery. Conversely, if it is too low, the fetus may be born with low birth weight (LBW).

How to Calculate BMI During Pregnancy

So, how do you calculate BMI during pregnancy? The formula is the same as before pregnancy:

BMI = Weight (kg) ÷ (Height (m))²

Since your weight continues to increase during pregnancy, doctors typically monitor based on your pre-pregnancy BMI and then track the weight gain in each trimester.

For convenience, moms can use a special BMI calculator for pregnant women to determine whether their weight gain is still ideal or needs to be adjusted.

BMI Table for Pregnant Women

For easier reference, here is a guide table for weight gain during pregnancy based on pre-pregnancy BMI:

With this table, moms can monitor their weight to ensure it doesn’t become too low or too high. Besides affecting childbirth, BMI is also an important indicator of a pregnant woman’s health.

Now, moms, it’s clearer why maintaining a normal BMI during pregnancy is so important, right? By maintaining a healthy BMI, moms can reduce the risk of complications during childbirth and give their little one the best chance of being born healthy.

If moms want to be even healthier, try reading the article about the benefits of morning walks for pregnant women maybe it can become a relaxing activity to do with your partner. Additionally, make sure moms consume healthy foods for pregnant women to meet nutritional needs. And if moms are curious about the pregnancy age, you can also check how to calculate pregnancy age.

Oh, and moms, while preparing the baby’s essentials, don’t forget to choose comfortable diapers. MAKUKU Pro Care is the first anti-clumping diaper in Indonesia with SAP Thin Core Technology, which has high absorbency, keeps the surface dry, prevents clumping, and helps reduce the risk of diaper rash.

This diaper is also super soft like silk, has 4 layers of liquid lock, and an air-permeable surface that allows your little one’s skin to breathe comfortably all day long.