Guide to Pregnancy Weight Gain



Talking to your health care provider about your weight gain is important. Try not to worry if you’re slightly above or below these weights.

Facts About Weight Gain:

  • The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends a weight gain of 25 to 35 pounds during pregnancy, for women who were a normal weight before pregnancy
  • Women who are underweight should gain between 28-40 pounds, unless your health care provider says differently
  • Women who are overweight should gain between 15-25 pounds, unless your health care provider says differently
  • Eating low fat meals will allow you to gain weight correctly for your pregnancy. Putting on weight that is unnecessary is easy to do when eating junk food and foods that are higher in fat
  • Eating a well-rounded diet is important. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, pregnant women should have 3 servings of milk yogurt and cheese, 3 servings of protein, 3 servings of fruits, 4 servings of vegetables and 9 servings of whole grain products

Weight Distribution:

  • 7 1/2pounds is about how much the baby will weigh by the end of pregnancy
  • 1 1/2pounds is how much the placenta weighs
  • 4 pounds is attributed to increased fluid volume
  • 2 pounds is the weight of the uterus
  • 2 pounds is the weight of breast tissue
  • 4 pounds is because of increased blood volume
  • 7 pounds is attributed to maternal stores of fat, protein and other nutrients
  • 2 pounds for the amniotic fluid
  • Total: 30 pounds

On a Trimester Basis:

  • First trimester: 3-5 pounds
  • Second trimester: 1-2 pounds per week
  • Third trimester: 1-2 pounds per week

Remember this is just an average; you and your health care provider need to decide what is best for you.

Last Updated: 08/2006

Compiled using information from the following source:

Planning Your Pregnancy and Birth Third Ed. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Ch. 5.

Last updated: 12/2006