How to Gain Weight When Having a Baby

The majority of pregnancy weight gain consist of the baby itself, placenta, blood and other amniotic fluids, maternal body fats as well as the weight of the uterus. Having a baby is a welcome gift for most mothers; however, when the pre-pregnancy weight is less than optimal, gaining weight is a necessity for the mother and baby's health.

Instructions

• 1

  Speak with your obstetrician before undertaking your weight-gain regimen. Each woman's body and health care are different, and following your physician's advice is a requirement of any successful pregnancy.

• 2

  Begin eating smaller portions of foods high in vitamins throughout the day instead of large meals high in starches only a few times per day. Eating larger meals might seem like the best route, but eating good food several times a day will allow the baby to receive a continuous supply of nutrients as well as facilitate a steady weight gain as prescribed by your doctor.

• 3

  Eat foods rich in vitamins C and D each morning to give the baby its needed minerals and vitamins. Foods such as bananas, oranges, apples and healthy salads are excellent food sources to add to the regular breakfast menu. Avoid missing morning meals. Skipping breakfast might give you a few extra minutes in the morning, but the lack of food to the baby could cause you to experience possible nausea and aches later on that day or night.

• 4

  Drink milkshakes, fruity smoothies and eat light snacks each day and night before bed. This will pack on the pounds while you sleep and allow the baby to become settled and full enough to refrain from performing hunger-induced somersaults at 2 a.m.