Weight Gain During Pregnancy: What Causes It and How Medications Play a Role

When you’re pregnant, your body changes in ways you can’t always control—but weight gain during pregnancy, the natural increase in body mass that supports fetal growth, maternal tissue expansion, and fluid retention. Also known as pregnancy weight gain, it’s a normal part of carrying a baby, but it’s not always harmless if it’s driven by something else—like the medications you’re taking. Most doctors expect you to gain between 25 and 35 pounds if you start at a healthy weight, but if you’re on certain drugs, that number can climb faster—and not because you’re eating more.

Some common prescriptions, like antidepressants, medications used to treat depression and anxiety during pregnancy, can slow your metabolism or increase appetite, leading to extra pounds you didn’t plan for. SSRIs like sertraline or paroxetine are often linked to this, even though they’re considered safe for the baby. Then there are diuretics, drugs that remove excess fluid from the body—which you’d think would help, but if stopped or misused during pregnancy, they can cause rebound swelling and weight spikes. Even something as simple as a daily multivitamin with iron can cause constipation and bloating, adding to the scale. It’s not about being lazy or eating too much—it’s about how your body reacts to chemicals it didn’t used to handle.

What’s tricky is that not all weight gain is bad. Some of it is your baby, the placenta, amniotic fluid, and extra blood volume—things your body needs to survive pregnancy. But when the scale keeps climbing after the second trimester, and you’re not eating more, it’s time to look at what’s in your medicine cabinet. The posts below break down exactly which drugs are most likely to cause trouble, how they mess with your hormones or fluid balance, and what you can do without quitting your meds. You’ll find real advice on managing side effects, timing your supplements right, and spotting when weight gain is a red flag—not just a normal part of the journey.

Pregnancy and Postpartum Body Changes: What to Expect

Pregnancy and Postpartum Body Changes: What to Expect

  • Oct, 15 2025
  • 16

Learn what physical changes to expect during pregnancy and after birth, from hormone shifts and weight loss to pelvic floor recovery, with practical tips and warning signs.

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