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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.



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
Pregnant Woman With Fetus-Copyright © 2005 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. www.nucleusinc.com

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.


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