Weight Gain During Pregnancy

On average, a healthy amount of weight gain during pregnancy is 25 to 35 pounds for normal-weight women. This gain usually breaks down to 4 to 6 pounds added during the first trimester, and about one pound gained a week during the second and third trimesters.

• How much weight did you gain during your pregnancy? Share your pregnancy story.

• How did you lose your pregnancy weight after the baby's birth? Share tips and advice!

Where does this weight come from? According to the Nemours Foundation, a 30-pound pregnancy weight gain is typically distributed as follows:

• 7.5 pounds: your baby’s weight
• 7 pounds: your extra stored nutrients
• 4 pounds: your extra blood
• 4 pounds: your extra body fluids
• 2 pounds: breast enlargement
• 2 pounds: enlargement of your uterus
• 2 pounds: amniotic fluid surrounding your baby
• 1.5 pounds: the placenta

Keep in mind that pregnancy weight gain may vary.

• If you are underweight at the outset, you should gain 27-40 pounds.
• If you are overweight, you should gain 15-25 pounds.
• If you are obese, you should gain about 15 pounds or less.
• If you are having multiples (e.g., twins, triplets), you will gain more weight, so talk to your doctor about the amount of weight gain that will be best for you.

If you gain too much weight during pregnancy, you will be at increased risk of complications, including diabetes, high blood pressure, constipation, and backaches.

In addition, your labor and delivery may be longer and more difficult. On the other hand, if you don’t gain enough weight, you baby will not get the nutrients he or she needs to grow and develop properly.

• Pregnancy Diet and Exercise
• Managing Weight Loss After Pregnancy