Title: Checking her weight
Course: Antenatal Care Part 1 - Ethiopia (Full)

Checking her weight

Healthy weight gain

A woman in good health steadily gains between 9 to 12 kilograms during pregnancy. This is the same as 1 to 2 kilograms each month. However, routine weight measurement is not necessary for antenatal care because it is not a reliable indicator of pregnancy outcome. A woman with only a little weight gain can have a normal pregnancy outcome, though this is unusual.

Warning sign A pregnant woman who gains weight suddenly near the end of her pregnancy should be referred to the nearest health centre.

If a woman gains weight suddenly near the end of her pregnancy, it may be a sign of twins, or pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure and protein in the urine appearing for the first time during pregnancy).