Week 15: Tipping the Scales

After weeks of not looking pregnant, you may suddenly find your waist is expanding and your clothes are becoming uncomfortable! You may also notice that you are starting to gain weight, especially if you find food more appealing now than you did during the first trimester.

Don’t panic about seeing the pounds begin to add up. Weight gain in the second trimester is due mostly to increases in tissue, blood volume, and fat stores, and growth of your uterus and breasts.

Expect to add about ½ to 1 pound each week during this stage. This pattern should continue throughout the rest of your pregnancy.

Your second trimester - what to expect.

The second trimester marks a turning point for mother and fetus. The mother usually begins to feel better and will start showing the pregnancy more. The fetus has now developed all its organs and systems and will now focus on growing in size and weight. Learn about the growth of the fetus, second trimester visits to your provider and changes to expect in your body.

Use care when handling raw and uncooked foods.

Pregnant women are 20 times more likely to be infected with listeriosis, an infection from food-borne bacteria. This infection, found in uncooked foods, can pass through to the fetus and pose risks to your pregnancy. Read about the precautions you should take to minimize your risk of contracting listeriosis.

How much weight should I gain?

To calculate an average recommended weight gain during pregnancy, you should start with your body mass index (BMI). Learn how to calculate your BMI and see the range of pregnancy weight gain recommended.