Foods that Make the Baby Gain Weight During Pregnancy

One of the most curious topics for expectant mothers and their close circle is “foods that make babies gain weight” . The nutrition of the expectant mother plays a critical role in the healthy development of the baby. The foods that the expectant mother consumes for 9 months must support the baby’s weight gain. So what are the foods that make babies gain weight in the womb? Let’s examine them together.
For the most accurate information and healthy results, get support from a doctor and dietician. The information in our content is not a prescription. The most appropriate diet program for your body should be prepared with the help of a specialist. In addition to healthy nutrition, exercise and sports habits increase the quality of the diet process.
What are the Foods that Make the Baby Gain Weight During Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, some special foods should be preferred to support the healthy development of the baby and to ensure that it gains weight. Here are the foods that make the baby gain weight during pregnancy :
- Avocado
- Date
- Walnut
- Banana
- Egg
- Grape molasses
- Yogurt
- Sweet potato
- Meat
- Breast milk
Now let’s move on to more detailed information about foods that make babies gain weight in the womb :
Red and White Meat
Protein is essential for the development of the baby’s muscles and tissues. Protein-rich foods such as eggs, chicken, fish, red meat and dairy products can meet the needs of both mother and baby.
Healthy Fats
Healthy fats are especially critical for baby’s brain development. Avocados, olive oil, fatty fish like salmon and sardines, and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like chia and flaxseed fall into this category.
Fresh Vegetables and Leafy Greens
Green leafy vegetables such as spinach, broccoli and Swiss chard are rich in folic acid and various vitamins. These nutrients support the healthy growth of the baby and protect the health of the expectant mother. In addition, sweet potatoes are a healthy vegetable that can be preferred due to their high vitamin A content.
Whole Grains
Whole grains are rich in fiber, iron and B vitamins; foods such as bulgur, brown rice and oatmeal meet the nutritional needs of both mother and baby.
Fruits and Nuts
Fruits such as apples, bananas and oranges are rich in vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system. Nuts provide an important source of protein, healthy fats and minerals.
Milk and milk products
Expecting mothers should consume milk and dairy products rich in calcium for the baby’s bone development. Products such as milk, yogurt and cheese meet this need.
Dry beans
Dried legumes such as lentils, chickpeas and beans are rich in protein, fiber and iron and contribute to the nutrition of the expectant mother and the baby.
Food Group | Importance | Good Resources |
Proteins | It is necessary for muscle and tissue development. | Eggs, fish, chicken, red meat, legumes, milk and dairy products |
Healthy Fats | It is important for brain development and energy. | Avocado, olive oil, hazelnuts, walnuts, fish oil |
Complex Carbohydrates | Provides energy and supports digestive health. | Whole grains, oats, bulgur, whole wheat bread, brown rice |
Fruits and vegetables | Provides vitamins, minerals and fiber. | Dark leafy greens (spinach, chard, arugula), fruits (bananas, apples, oranges, strawberries) |
Milk and milk products | It is a source of calcium and protein. It supports the baby’s bone development. | Milk, yoghurt, cheese, ayran, kefir |
Scientific Research and Resources:
- Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Nutritional Status During Pregnancy and Lactation. “Nutrition During Pregnancy.” National Academies Press, 1990.
- King, Janet C. “Physiology of Pregnancy and Nutrient Metabolism.” The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, vol. 71, no. 5, 2000, pp. 1218S-1225S.
Foods That Make Babies Gain Weight
For expectant mothers who ask, “What are the things that make babies gain weight?”, we would like to examine the nutrients that are beneficial in this process one by one. Here is a list of additional foods that make babies gain weight :
- Eggs: Rich in protein and healthy fats, eggs help the baby gain weight.
- Avocado: Avocado, which is high in calories and contains healthy fats, can support the baby’s brain development.
- Yogurt: Full-fat yogurt contains probiotics, protein, and calcium, which can help baby gain weight.
- Kefir: Rich in probiotics, kefir improves the expectant mother’s intestinal health and can help the development of the baby’s digestive system.
- Milk and Cheese: Products like milk and cheese are rich in calcium and protein, which can support the development of the baby’s bones and teeth.
- Salmon: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, salmon supports the baby’s brain and eye development. It may be recommended to consume it several times a week with doctor’s approval.
- Sweet Potato: Rich in vitamins and minerals, sweet potato is a high-calorie vegetable and can help the baby gain weight.
- Lentils: Dried legumes such as lentils, chickpeas and beans are rich in protein, fiber and folic acid and can contribute to the baby’s growth.
- Walnuts, Almonds and Hazelnuts: Nuts such as almonds, walnuts and hazelnuts and seeds such as chia and flaxseeds are rich in protein and fiber and can contribute to the healthy development of the baby.
- Banana: During pregnancy, consuming bananas is very beneficial for the baby to gain weight in a healthy way. Bananas are a nutritious fruit that contains natural sugars, fiber, vitamins and minerals.
Scientific Research and Resources:
- Brown, Judith E., et al. “Nutrition Through the Life Cycle.” Cengage Learning, 2013.
- Koletzko, Berthold, et al. “Nutrition During Pregnancy, Lactation and Early Childhood.” Karger Medical and Scientific Publishers, 2014.
Where Does the Weight Gained During Pregnancy Go?
Although it varies from person to person, the amount of weight gained during pregnancy can be classified as follows:
- Those with normal weight: 10-18 kg
- Those who are underweight: 12-16 kg
- Those who are overweight: 7-13 kg
- Those with obesity: 4-9 kg
Well, have you ever wondered where the weight gained during pregnancy goes? Here is the answer!
Area | Percentage Distribution (%) |
Baby | 25-30% |
Placenta | 5-10% |
Amniotic fluid | 5-10% |
Breast tissue | 5-10% |
Blood volume | 10-15% |
Fat Deposits | 20-25% |
Uterus | 5-10% |
Source:
National Research Council (US) and Institute of Medicine (US) Committee to Reexamine IOM Pregnancy Weight Guidelines. “Weight Gain During Pregnancy: Reexamining the Guidelines.” National Academies Press, 2009.
In Which Weeks Does the Unborn Baby Gain the Most Weight?
The period when babies gain weight the fastest is the last trimester of pregnancy , that is, the last three months . The baby in the womb gains the most weight in the third trimester, especially from the 28th week until birth. During this period, the baby’s weight increases by approximately 250-300 grams per week.
- Weeks 28-32: During these weeks, the growth rate of babies is quite high. During this period, the baby can gain more than approximately 500 grams of weight.
- Weeks 33-36: Babies can gain approximately 200-250 grams of weight per week during this period.
- Weeks 37-40: In the last weeks of pregnancy, babies experience the greatest weight gain. They can gain about 250-300 grams per week.
Weeks | Average Weight Gain |
28-32 | More than 500 grams |
33-36 | 200-250 grams |
37-40 | 250-300 grams |
Babies gain weight rapidly, especially in the last weeks of pregnancy. This increase prepares them for their lives after birth. If the baby is born with a low weight; weight-gaining foods, weight-gaining soups and weight-gaining meals should be preferred. In the following processes, weight-gaining breakfast and meal options for 1-year-old babies should be investigated.
Food Groups That Make Your Baby Gain Weight in the Womb
For the healthy development and adequate weight gain of the baby in the womb, the expectant mother needs to follow a balanced and nutritious diet. So, which foods does a pregnant mother prefer so that the baby in the womb gains weight?
Here are the food groups that make babies gain weight :
Food Group | Daily Amount |
Milk and Yogurt | 400-500ml |
Cheese | 60g |
Meat, Chicken, Fish | 3-4 servings |
Eggs, Legumes | 1 portion |
Vegetables and fruits | 5-7 servings |
Brown bread | 4-6 slices |
Rice, Bulgur, Pasta etc. | None or 2-3 servings |
Source: www.emrekoyunlu.com
Frequently Asked Questions About Foods That Make Your Baby Gain Weight During Pregnancy
What Makes a Baby Gain the Most Weight?
The foods that will make your baby gain the most weight are healthy, high in calories and have high nutritional value. Here is a list of the foods that will make your baby gain the most weight :
- Avocado: A fruit rich in healthy fats and calories. It can be given to babies in puree form.
- Full Fat Yogurt: Contains protein and healthy fats, and also supports digestion thanks to probiotics.
- Eggs: Rich in protein and healthy fats. Can be given boiled, in omelet or puree form.
- Cheese: Rich in calcium and protein. You can offer it in small pieces or in puree.
- Sweet Potato: Rich in vitamins and minerals, it can be given to babies in puree form.
These foods are suitable for babies who have transitioned to the solid food period. Apply with doctor’s approval. It is useful to do a step-by-step allergy test before feeding the mentioned foods to your baby; also, you need to know whether your baby is sensitive to this food product.
How to Increase Baby Weight in the Womb?
To increase the weight of the unborn baby, the mother must follow a balanced and nutritious diet:
- Protein: Consuming protein sources such as chicken, fish, red meat and legumes supports the development of the baby.
- Healthy Fats: Healthy fats like avocado, olive oil, nuts and seeds help the baby gain weight.
- Whole Grains: Whole grains like whole wheat bread, brown rice, and oats provide energy and nutrients.
- Vegetables and Fruits: Vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins and minerals support the healthy development of the baby.
- Water: Adequate water consumption is important for the health of mother and baby.
What Should Underweight Babies Feed?
High-calorie and nutritious foods should be preferred for thin babies to gain weight; however, get doctor’s approval before applying:
- Full Fat Milk and Dairy Products: Yogurt, cheese and milk help babies gain weight.
- Oatmeal: Oatmeal cooked with milk provides energy and nutrients.
- Nut Butter: Peanut butter or almond butter are high in calories and nutrients.
- Sweet Potatoes and Avocados: These foods contain healthy fats and calories.
- Meat and Fish: Rich in protein and healthy fats, these foods help the baby gain weight.
Why Doesn’t a Baby Gain Weight?
There may be several reasons why babies are not gaining weight:
- Malnutrition: If the baby does not take in enough calories and nutrients, he or she will not gain weight.
- Digestive Problems: Reflux, lactose intolerance or other digestive problems in babies can prevent weight gain.
- Diseases: Chronic diseases, infections, or metabolic disorders can make it difficult to gain weight.
- Genetic Factors: Some babies may be genetically weaker.
Does Ready-to-Feed Formula Make Babies Gain Weight?
Yes, ready-to-feed formulas can help babies gain weight. Ready-to-feed formulas contain the nutrients babies need in a balanced way. However, if your baby has special nutritional needs, it is important to choose the appropriate formula by taking your doctor’s recommendations into consideration .
What Makes a Baby Gain Weight Fastest?
Here are some foods that will help babies gain weight quickly:
- Full-Fat Milk and Yogurt: Rich in healthy fats and calories.
- Avocado: Contains healthy fats and can be easily pureed.
- Eggs: High in protein and fat.
- Cheese: It is rich in calcium and protein and is a delicious food for babies.
- Nut Butter: Peanut or almond butter is high in calories and nutritious.
How to Increase Baby Weight?
You can follow these methods to help babies gain weight:
- Regular and Balanced Nutrition: Feed your babies at regular intervals and offer a variety of foods.
- High-Calorie Foods: Choose high-calorie foods like avocados, full-fat dairy products, eggs, and cheese.
- Frequent Feeding: Feed your babies more frequently and in smaller portions.
- Snacks: Offer snacks such as nut butters, pureed fruit, and full-fat yogurt.
For the most accurate information and healthy results, get support from a doctor and dietician. The information in our content is not a prescription. The most appropriate diet program for your body should be prepared with the help of a specialist. In addition to healthy nutrition, exercise and sports habits increase the quality of the diet process.