Use the CDC BMI calculator to find out what your BMI is. Look at the chart below to determine how much total weight you should gain during your pregnancy. Or try this calculator to determine how much you should weigh based on your week’s gestation.
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 to lose weight after giving birth, can make your delivery more manageable, and will help make sure your baby is born at a healthy weight. Gaining the right weight during pregnancy also helps prevent early childhood obesity.
- 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).
Resources
- USDA MyPlate (USDA website).
- Colorado WIC Program (Colorado WIC website)
- EatRight.org Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website).