Pregnancy and weight gain

Q My husband and I had our first child a little over two years ago, a little girl who is the picture of health. We're ready to have another child, but I'm hesitating because I gained so much weight during the first pregnancy. I'm sure the weight had a lot to do with me being so uncomfortable most of the time. I admit that, during my first pregnancy, I didn't see a doctor until just a few weeks before the delivery. Can you tell me how much weight a woman should gain throughout her pregnancy and remain healthy?

T.M., New York City

A First, with any future pregnancy, be sure to get proper prenatal care--early during the pregnancy! In fact, the earlier, the better.

It's the only way to properly monitor your health and your baby's throughout the pregnancy.

Doctors say the popular and longtime notion that pregnant women are "eating for two" is a myth. They also point out that obesity increases the risk of miscarriage and other serious pregnancy complications.

The medical community has established guidelines concerning weight gain during pregnancy. If you are normal weight before pregnancy, then you should gain 25 to 35 pounds. If you are overweight before the pregnancy, then you should gain 15 to 25 pounds. If you are underweight before becoming pregnant, then you should gain 28 to 40 pounds (depending on your pre-pregnancy weight).

Doctors say gaining the proper amount of weight will make it less difficult to shed pounds after delivery, and will prepare your body for breastfeeding.

Medical experts discourage dieting while you are pregnant because it could possibly harm the baby. And if you need help to plan a healthy diet that will help you to meet weight-gain guidelines during pregnancy, it's a good idea to talk with a dietitian or nutritionist.