Using the BMI Calculator, you enter your height and weight (pre-pregnancy) and it will give you the area you fall into: underweight, normal, overweight, or obese. There is then a corresponding weight gain to each one of those categories.
Its important to know that this is just a guide - and there are many controversies around the idea of a BMI, or Body Mass Index, calculation. The primary problem is that it does not take into account your actual body composition. Most of us know that muscle weighs more than fat - so an individual may be classified as "overweight" but yet have a very low bodyfat ratio.
To prove this point, according to an article on docshop.com, Tom Cruise, Arnold Schwarzennegger, Mel Gibson and Sylvester Stallone are considered obese according to their BMI calculations. This not only includes Arnold Schwarzennegger today (as "Governor Schwaqrzennegger") but also back in the day when he was Mr Universe ... weighing in at 235 at just over 6 ft tall ;) But many of us are concerned about pregnancy weight gain - how much should we gain? is my weight gain normal? will I ever get back to my original weight? This tool is a good way to verifiy the normal ranges of your weight gain. If you tend to be more muscular and know that your BMI is not an accurate represention of your pre-pregnancy body, then take that into consideration when using this tool. Ultimately, use the BMI Calculator as a guide, not as fact!
