Having a baby does not mean that you need to blow up to the size of a whale. However, you will have to put on a few pounds in order to have a healthy little boy or girl. If you are wondering exactly how much of a weight increase is best for both you and your baby , it will help to learn how to calculate pregnancy weight gain.

One of the facts of pregnancy is that mothers-to-be must watch their waistlines expand. This is to ensure proper nourishment for the baby, so that your bundle of joy can come out just as happy and healthy as she or he can be. While weight gain is both normal and beneficial, there is a limit to how much added fat is actually necessary. How much is enough? How much is too much? These questions may be answered simply by figuring the average healthy weight gain based on your starting weight and how far along you are in your pregnancy.

If you know that you will be conceiving in the near future, try to get to a healthy size for your height and body type. If you are significantly overweight, start eating lighter foods (including plenty of fresh fruits and veggies), and exercise moderately at least a few times a week (but be sure not to exert yourself after you have become pregnant). Those with extra weight before pregnancy are likely have a more uncomfortable nine months than those who are trimmer.

• If you are seriously underweight, up your calorie intake by eating heavier, yet nutrient-rich foods. Your body will need plenty of strength to support another living being.

• Basically, the healthier you are before you become pregnant, the easier a time you will have and the healthier your newborn will be. http://www.babyyourbaby.org/beforepregnancy/precon_health.htmhttp://www.babyyourbaby.org/duringpregnancy/weightgain.htm

Your body mass index, or BMI, will ultimately determine how much weight you will need to gain during your pregnancy. To find out your BMI, you will must first know your height in inches and weight in pounds before you became pregnant.

1. Multiply your height times itself (square it).
2. Then divide your weight by this number.
3. Multiply your answer by 703. The result isyour BMI.http://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Your-Body-Mass-Index-(BMI)

• You may also find a BMI calculator online if you don't want to do the math yourself.

Once you have your body mass index, you can determine how much weight gain is healthy. Generally, the higher the BMI, the fewer pounds you should put on. Here is a breakdown:

• If your BMI is below 19.8, you should gain 28-40 pounds.
• If your BMI is between 19.9 and 26.0, you should gain 25-35 pounds.
• If your BMI is between 26.1 and 29.0, 15-25 pounds is a healthy weight gain.
• If your BMI is more than this, it is best to keep weight gain under 15 pounds.
• To find out how much weight you should gain at specific points in your pregnancy, try an online calculator or charthttp://www.babyyourbaby.org/duringpregnancy/weightgain.htm

The advice in this guide is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a doctor before using any of the methods described here.