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LaShaunda - I would suggest you go to this link doh.state.fl.us/family/mch/hs/.../b/assess_forms/prenatal_grid.pdf and print out the weight grid form. It includes amounts you should gain in pregnancy based on your initial BMI. Generally, we recommend 25-35 pounds of weight be gained with pregnancy. If your initial BMI is overweight or obese, then it is recommended that you gain a little less - if it is underwieght then you should gain more. Yes, what you eat very much matters with weight gain and infant birth weight. Moms who gain less than the recommended amounts are more at-risk for low-birth-weight babies. And, low-birth-weight carries some real risks for newborns. Generally speaking - the lower the birth weight, the greater the risk. And, yes, genes also may carry some weight (so to speak) in determining the baby's birth weight. My main recommendation is for you to begin to talk with your own care provider about these concerns and be sure you are eating a well balanced diet with adequate calories to support the gain you need. Generally speaking - this is about 250 calories more a day that you required before pregnancy. Again, this is individual so you really need to talk with your own provider about their specific recommendations in your case.
Cathy Hartt, RN, MS, Health Coach
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