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Children's Health

Weight Gain During Pregnancy

Weight gain in pregnancy varies from woman to woman. It also depends on body type. Talk with your healthcare provider about the amount of weight gain that's best for you. Also talk with your provider about what to eat and the best ways to get exercise in pregnancy.

Recommendations for pregnancy weight gain by BMI

  Prepregnancy body mass index (BMI)

Total gain range 

Rate of gain in 2nd and 3rd trimester   

 Less than 18.5 (underweight)

 28-40 lbs

 1 (1-1.3) lbs/week

 18.5-24.9 (normal weight) 

 25-35 lbs

 1 (0.8-1) lbs/week

 25.0-29.9 (overweight)

 15-25 lbs

 0.6 (0.5-0.7) lbs/week

 greater than 30.0 (obese) 

 11-20 lbs

 0.5 (0.4-0.6) lbs/week

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Here's how weight gain by the end of pregnancy is distributed:

Baby

7.5 pounds

Maternal energy stores (fat, protein, and other nutrients)

7 pounds

Fluid volume

4 pounds

Breast enlargement

2 pounds

Uterus

2 pounds

Amniotic fluid

2 pounds

Placenta

1.5 pounds

Blood

4 pounds

Source: The March of Dimes

Online Medical Reviewer: Donna Freeborn PhD CNM FNP
Online Medical Reviewer: Heather M Trevino BSN RNC
Online Medical Reviewer: Irina Burd MD PhD
Date Last Reviewed: 3/1/2023
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