Ask The Expert Series: How to Maintain a Healthy Weight During Pregnancy

Dear user, thank you for your entry. For a healthy diet, it is important to have a balanced proportion of carbohydrates, protein and fibre, and make sure there's lots of water intake to stay well hydrated. Sometimes, it is better to take multiple small meals if one feels too nauseated with a large meal. In terms of portion, it is generally recommended to take normal portions in first trimester, extra 350kcal/day in second trimester and 450kcal/day in third trimester. Hope that helps!

Dear user, thank you for your entry. Your symptoms sound very disturbing for you. With multiple episodes of vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss and loss of appetite, please do see a medical practitioner to assess the severity of weight loss, hydration and have an abdominal examination for further advice on your condition.

Dear user, thank you for your entry. Weight gain in pregnancy is normal and is expected to be different in mothers of varying BMI. For a mother whose BMI is 18-24.9kg/m2, an estimated weight gain of about 12kg - 16kg is usually acceptable.

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Dear user, thank you for your entry. Diabetes in pregnancy or Gestational diabetes are conditions that need to be monitored closely by your obstetrician. It is paramount to have well-controlled glucose readings during pregnancy, due to risk of fetal or maternal complications if poorly controlled. Sometimes, a consultation with a dietitian can be considered very useful to decide on the carbohydrate intake through calorie counting or designing a meal plan, paired with close monitoring of capillary glucose.

Dear user, thank you for your entry. Generally speaking, for your pre-pregnancy BMI of < 18, a weight gain of up to 18kg may be considered within normal range. Weight gain can be monitored by making sure that the caloric intake is suitable. Entering the third trimester, an extra 450kcal/day on top of your normal diet is generally recommended. A healthy diet is one that is balanced, and consists of lots of fruits and vegetables and a moderate portion of protein and carbohydrates.

Dear user, thank you for your entry. It is important to maintain a healthy weight during pregnancy to ensure the healthiest pregnancy. Do seek an opinion from your obstetrician with regards to specific advice on your weight concerns.

Dear user, thank you for your entry. Weight gain is generally considered normal in pregnancy, and the range depends on pre-pregnancy BMI. However, weight loss is generally not recommended in pregnancy, and a medical consultation should be sought if there is significant weight loss during pregnancy.

Dear user, thank you for your entry. It is generally advisable to keep to one's usual portions during first trimester, extra 350kcal/day for second trimester and extra 450kcal/day for third trimester.

Dear user, thank you for your entry. A meal plan will look different for each pregnant mums, as it depends on the pre-pregnancy BMI, pre-existing medical conditions, etc. Generally, it is advisable to keep to the same meal portions in first trimester, increase by about 350kcal/day in second trimester, and about 450kcal/day in third trimester. Having a balanced diet is critical as part of a healthy diet: including food from different food groups like carbohydrate, protein and fibre, and ensuring sufficient intake of other supplements such as folic acid and calcium.