Pregnancy Weight Gain Facts

Another good tip: Try to eat every three hours or so to keep your energy level up.

If the opposite is an issue for you, and you're starting your pregnancy as a plus-sized woman, you'll also need to chat with your doctor about how best to traverse pregnancy weight gain.

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommends that overweight women gain between 15 to 25 pounds total during pregnancy (again, your provider will tell you what's right for you). The IOM has found that plus-size women who stay within these weight-gain guidelines have the best chance for delivering a healthy birth-weight baby and also reduce their risks for delivering by C-section.

The key for you will be to gradually add pounds. The American Dietetic Association (ADD) calls for plus-size women to gain up to three pounds during the first trimester and then put on between one-half to three-quarters pound per week starting from the twelfth week of pregnancy.

Keeping It in Perspective

Speak with your doctor about what your personal pregnancy weight goal should be; and remember, everyone is different. What your sister's doctor suggested she gain may not be the right amount for you.