WEIGHT GAIN DURING PREGNANCY:
Weight gain is very often of paramount importance to women during their pregnancies.There are wide variations in weight gains among pregnant women who have given birth to plump,healthy babies.This would suggest that there are many variables that determine fetal weight.Nevertheless,a large body of evidence indicates that gestational weight gain,particularly during second and third trimesters,is an important determinant of fetal growth.Low weight gain is associated with an increased risk of giving birth to a baby who is small and less healthy.

PRE-PREGNANT WEIGHT:
The effect of weight gain on fetal growth is modified by a mother's pre-pregnancy weight for height.Women who are thinner before pregnancy tend to have babies that are smaller than those of aheavier women who gained the same amount of weight during their pregnancies.

OVERWEIGHT:
More is not always better.Maternal overweight is associated with an risk of pregnancy complications,including diabetes,high blood pressure and Cesarean section.Infants of overweight women are more likely to be bigger and face increased risks of birth injury or trauma.This is occurs more frequently in women shorter than 5 feet 2 inches.
As in most things,balance is the best advice.By following general nutrition guidelines,eating a wide variety of foods ,and avoiding junk foods,you stand the best chance of growing healthy baby.

WEIGHT GAIN RECOMMENDATIONS:
Women with normal weight for height
1-2kgs during the first trimester(12weeks)
2-3kgs in the 2nd trimester,3-4kgs in the 3rd trimester.

UNDERWEIGHT WOMEN:   
Gain at a slightly higher rate.

OVERWEIGHT WOMEN:
Gain at a slightly lower rate.
Women under 5'2"(62inches)should gain at the lower end of the recommended range.

CAFFINE:
There is inconclusive evidence about the effects of caffeine consumptions in pregnancy.The most cautious is to avoid intake during the first three months of pregnancy.Overall,frequent use of caffeine may decrease the availability of certain nutrients such as calcium,zinc and iron.Nursing mothers may notice effects of irritability with their infants in relation to caffeine use.For these reasons we recommend that women limit daily consumption of caffeinated beverages to 6-8oz,as much as possible.