How much weight gain is recommended during pregnancy?
Recommendations vary depending on pre-pregnancy weight — here are general benchmarks and why they're not the same for everyone.
Recommended weight gain depends on pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI). Generally, for a BMI in the 'normal' range, the target is around 25 to 35 pounds (11.5 to 16 kg); for a lower BMI, a bit more; for a higher BMI, less — sometimes considerably less, depending on the situation.
This weight gain isn't linear: it's usually slower in the first trimester (often just 2 to 4 pounds total, sometimes less with nausea) and picks up in the second and third trimesters, averaging about 1 pound (0.3 to 0.5 kg) a week.
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This weight isn't just fat stores: it includes the baby, the placenta, amniotic fluid, increased blood volume, fluid and breast tissue, and the uterus itself — all necessary for a pregnancy to progress well.
Rather than focusing only on the number on the scale, it's more useful to talk with your healthcare provider about your overall weight gain trend: gaining too fast or too slowly can sometimes signal something worth watching, but occasional variation is entirely normal.
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This information is general and does not replace advice from your healthcare professional (doctor, midwife, nurse, pharmacist). Every situation is unique: always check with them before making a decision. In an emergency, call 911 or your local emergency services.
