Why do women gain weight during pregnancy?

Q. Please explain the reason for weight gain during pregnancy.

Answered by
Dr. Sweta Singh
and medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team.
This is a premium question & answer published on Jul 10, 2016 and last reviewed on: Jun 29, 2023

Hi doctor,

When I had my third ultrasound, I was 24 weeks pregnant and it appeared like two faces in the ultrasound. I keep asking my obstetrician regarding my weight gain. I am gaining so much weight when I barely eat and my stomach so huge. I found that at 14 weeks on my first ultrasound I was having a boy and that was pretty early for me to find out a gender. I eat like two meals at once a day. I am now 34 weeks and 5 days pregnant. My obstetrician did not check my pelvis nor advised for another ultrasound. Can I send a picture of my third ultrasound to get a second opinion whether I am having twins?

#

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

One cannot make out from the picture of an ultrasound (attachment removed to protect patient identity) whether there is a single or twin pregnancy as in one section only one fetus is seen at a time There is absolutely no indication for a pelvic exam at this point in your pregnancy. Also, there is no need for frequent ultrasounds. If you are gaining weight excessively, then it is not just because of the baby, but because of the amniotic fluid, breast enlargement and loosening of the pelvic joints. Only the person who actually performing or watching the ultrasonography can tell if there are twins or not. There is no need for any additional medications. The way you are eating is incorrect; you must eat smaller but frequent meals to maintain your blood sugar and insulin levels. You can get your blood sugar levels checked if you feel excessive weight gain is occurring.


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