9.2  Checking her weight

Healthy weight gain

A woman in good health steadily gains between 9 to 12 kilograms during pregnancy. This is the same as 1 to 2 kilograms each month. However, routine weight measurement is not necessary for antenatal care because it is not a reliable indicator of pregnancy outcome. A woman with only a little weight gain can have a normal pregnancy outcome, though this is unusual.

Important!Warning sign A pregnant woman who gains weight suddenly near the end of her pregnancy should be referred to the nearest health centre.

If a woman gains weight suddenly near the end of her pregnancy, it may be a sign of twins, or pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure and protein in the urine appearing for the first time during pregnancy).

9.1  Checking for symptoms of poor nutrition or lack of iodine

9.3  Checking her temperature