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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
© 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.