Appropriate weight gain during pregnancy depends on a variety of factors, including your pre-pregnancy weight and body mass index (BMI). Your health and your baby's health also play a role. Talk to your health care provider to determine what's right for you.
Determine your BMI
- CDC BMI calculator. (CDC website)
Determine how much you should weigh based on your week’s gestation
- Pregnancy Weight Gain Calculator. (Calculator.net website)
The BMI and Weight gain chart can help you determine how much weight you should gain during pregnancy:
Pre-pregnancy BMI | Recommended weight gain | Recommended rate of weight gain |
|---|---|---|
Underweight (<18.5) | 28-40 pounds | Slightly more than 1 pound per week |
Normal weight (18.5-24.9) | 25-35 pounds | Approximately 1 pound per week |
Overweight (25.0-29.9) | 15-25 pounds | Approximately 2/3 of a pound per week |
Obese | 11-20 pounds | Approximately 1/2 pound per week |
About weight gain during pregnancy
Gaining the right amount of weight when you're pregnant will help you lose weight after giving birth, make your delivery more manageable, and help ensure your baby is born at a healthy weight. Gaining the right weight during pregnancy also helps prevent early childhood obesity.
- Weight Gain During Pregnancy. (CDC website)
- Not gaining enough weight can cause your baby to be born too small, too early, or with birth defects.
- Gaining too much weight can lead to problems during your pregnancy like high blood pressure, swelling, and gestational diabetes.
- It may cause your baby to be born too big or too early, or increase your chance of requiring a Cesarean section.
- Women who gain too much weight may also have a harder time starting breastfeeding.
Choose healthy foods and stay active
- Your health during pregnancy. (webpage).
- USDA MyPlate. (USDA website).
- Colorado WIC Program. (Colorado WIC website)
- EatRight.org Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. (Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website).