Find out what a healthy weight range is for you during pregnancy by using our pregnancy weight growth chart. If you start your pregnancy at a healthy weight, you should gain 1 to 5 pounds in the first trimester and 1 pound per week after that. Complications are more likely if you gain more or less than recommended.
How much weight should I gain during my pregnancy?
Use our pregnant weight gain calculator to see how much you should gain (depending on your height and pre-pregnancy weight) and whether you are within your desired weight range.
You can also look at the chart below.
Pregnancy weight gain chart
You’ll need to know your pre-pregnancy BMI to determine your target weight increase (BMI). Here’s where you can find out what your BMI is.
| Your pre-pregnancy BMI | Your target weight gain if you’re carrying one child | Your target weight gain if you’re carrying twins |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 18.5 | 28 to 40 pounds | no recommendation |
| 18.5 to 24.9 | 25 to 35 pounds | 37 to 54 pounds |
| 25 to 29.9 | 15 to 25 pounds | 31 to 50 pounds |
| 30 or higher | 11 to 20 pounds | 25 to 42 pounds |
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine published these pregnant weight gain guidelines in 2009, and they are the most up-to-date available.
Pregnancy weight gain by trimester
Expect to gain 1 to 5 pounds in the first trimester and roughly 1 pound each week for the rest of your pregnancy if you’re starting at a healthy weight.
Keep in mind that eating for two does not imply eating twice as much as normal; in fact, you don’t require any additional calories throughout your first trimester. Experts recommend getting about 340 extra calories per day in the second trimester and 450 extra calories per day in the third trimester.
If you’re having trouble losing weight, talk to your doctor about a healthy diet and activity plan that’s perfect for you.
What if I acquire more weight than is suggested during my pregnancy?
Gaining more weight than is suggested during pregnancy increases your risk of high blood pressure diseases such as gestational hypertension (high blood pressure that begins during pregnancy) and preeclampsia. Preterm labour is possible as a result of several situations.
And, unless you’re already underweight, gaining too much weight during pregnancy raises your chances of:
- Cesarean section
- Diabetes during pregnancy
- Having a huge baby, which can make delivery difficult
- If you start your second pregnancy overweight, you’ll have a higher risk of certain issues.
What if I don’t acquire as much weight as the doctor recommends during my pregnancy?
Gaining too little weight during pregnancy, especially if you’re already underweight, can increase your chances of having a kid with a low birth weight (less than 5.5 pounds). This can result in a range of issues for the newborn, including as trouble feeding and low blood sugar. A baby with a low birth weight may need to stay in the hospital for a long time.
However, gaining little or no weight during pregnancy can reduce the risk of pregnancy issues such as hypertension, preeclampsia, and large newborns in women who are more than 50 pounds overweight when they first get pregnant.
If you’re overweight, talk to your doctor about strategies to reduce your risks (preferably before you get pregnant), especially if you have a medical condition related to obesity, such as hypertension or diabetes.
Average weight gain during pregnancy
About half of pregnant women gain the appropriate amount of weight, according to Kathleen Rasmussen, main author of the committee that released the 2009 National Academies report. Many women gain significantly more. According to recent studies, 32% of women gain weight within the recommended range for pregnancy, 21% gain too little, and 48% gain more than is suggested.
What can I do if I’m worried about how my body may change throughout pregnancy?
You may find it difficult to believe that it’s alright to gain weight now if you’ve struggled with weight control in the past, or even if you’ve never dieted before. As the numbers on the scale rise, it’s natural to feel anxious. Try to remember that some weight gain is necessary for a healthy pregnancy and that the additional pounds will fall off once the baby is born.
You’re not alone if you’re depressed about your weight gain. Find out how other expectant mothers are dealing with the weight gain.
What is the best way for me to lose weight after giving birth?
In the first six weeks following delivery, you’ll probably lose half of your pregnancy weight gain. The baby weighs about 7.5 pounds, with the amniotic fluid, placenta, and other bodily fluids and blood adding another 8 to 12 pounds to your total weight.
For the remainder, keep in mind that gaining weight took nine months, and losing it can take just as long or longer. The greatest method to lose weight – and keep it off – is to mix a nutritious diet with frequent exercise.
But don’t go on a calorie-cutting binge immediately away. Caring for a newborn necessitates a lot of energy, which involves providing your body with the nutrients it need. Indeed, if you’re breastfeeding, you’ll require additional calories for as long as you’re nursing your child.
If you’re having trouble losing weight, talk to a certified nutritionist and possibly a personal trainer about how to drop the right amount of weight at a healthy pace.
FAQ
- What trimester do you gain the most weight?
Weight increase in the third trimester is a normal component of later pregnancy and is typically not a cause for concern. During the third trimester, many women gain a lot of weight quickly. According to the Office for Women’s Health (OWH), this is because the foetus grows the most weight during this time.
- When during pregnancy do you start gaining weight?
While the majority of the weight growth will occur in the second and third trimesters, there will be some initial weight gain in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. In fact, people gain 1 to 4 pounds on average during the first trimester — though this can vary.
- How much weight should I gain each trimester?
Weight growth is influenced by your pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI). You may gain 1 to 5 pounds or none at all during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, known as the first trimester. If you were a healthy weight before pregnancy, you should gain half a pound to a pound per week in your second and third trimesters.
- Why am I gaining weight so fast during pregnancy?
Even if you don’t eat much or have trouble keeping solid meals down, your blood volume increases during the pregnancy. This blood rise results in the most weight gain of any gestational period. During pregnancy, increased blood volume causes fast weight growth.
