Because plus-size women come into pregnancy with more adipose tissue (fat), they don’t need to gain as much weight during pregnancy to have a healthy baby. What you must understand though is that no one should ever lose weight during pregnancy. Most physicians recommend a weight gain of 15 to 20 pounds for plus-size women, however, it is essential that you consult with your own physician about your own situation. The best way to gain weight is slowly and gradually, but be aware that many women gain little in the first trimester and more in the second two trimesters.

So what does this mean for you? Do you have to go on a diet of sprouts and beans? Are cookies off the table (so to speak)? The best thing you can do is remember that whatever you eat, your baby eats, so pregnancy is an important time to make good food choices for yourself. It is not a time to try drastic diets or starve yourself. You and your baby need nutrition and it is important that you listen to your own body and answer its needs.

How much weight you gain is ultimately up to you. For some women, the recommended weight gain simply doesn’t work. You know your own body and you are the one who interprets its needs the best. Gaining more weight than your provider recommends is not the end of the world by any stretch of the imagination (or the waistband) and your goal should be to stay happy and healthy no matter what.