Weight Gain During Pregnancy
On average, a healthy amount of weight gain during pregnancy is 25 to 35 pounds (11.3-15.9 kilograms). This is usually reached by gaining 1 to 4 pounds (0.4 to 1.8 kilograms) during the first trimester, and about 2 to 4 pounds (.9-1.8 kilograms) each month from 4 months until delivery.
Where does this weight come from? According to the Nemours Foundation, this is how a 30 pound (13.6 kilogram) pregnancy weight gain is typically distributed:
- 7.5 pounds (3.4 kilograms): your baby’s weight
- 1.5 pounds (.6 kilograms): the placenta
- 2 pounds (.9 kilograms): enlargement of your uterus
- 2 pounds (.9 kilograms): amniotic fluid surrounding your baby
- 2 pounds (.9 kilograms): breast enlargement
- 4 pounds (1.8 kilograms): your extra blood
- 7 pounds (3.17 kilograms): your extra stored nutrients
- 4 pounds (1.8 kilograms): your extra body fluids
Pregnant Woman© Nucleus Medical Media, Inc. |
Keep in mind that pregnancy weight gain may vary.
- If you are underweight, you should gain 28-40 pounds (12.7-18.14 kilograms).
- If you are overweight, you should gain 15-25 pounds (6.8-11.33 kilograms).
- If you are obese, you should gain 11-20 pounds (4.9-9.07 kilograms).
- If you are having multiples (twins, triplets), you will gain more weight, so talk to your doctor about the amount of weight gain that will be best for you.
Work with your care team to find the right weight range for you. Balanced weight gain can help you feel better during pregnancy. It may decrease constipation and back pain. Healthy weight gain can also help during labor and delivery. Too much weight gain may increase the risk of complications such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Low weight gain may also mean the baby is not getting enough nutrients. Your care team can help to plan ways to reach weight goals during pregnancy.
RESOURCES:
Office on Women's Health
https://www.womenshealth.gov
The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
http://www.acog.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
https://sogc.org
Women's Health Matters
http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca
REFERENCES:
Eating during pregnancy. Kids Health—Nemours Foundation website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed January 29, 2021.
Health tips for pregnant women. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/weight-control/tips-for-two-pregnancy/Pages/fit-for-two.aspx. Accessed January 29, 2021.
Leddy M, Power M, Schulkin J. The impact of maternal obesity on maternal and fetal health. Rev Obstet Gynecol. 2008;1(4):170-178.
Weight gain in pregnancy. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed January 29, 2021.
Last reviewed September 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board
Last Updated: 1/29/2021