Pregnancy and Weight Gain

You may ask, "How much weight should I gain?" The answer will be different for every woman who asks.

Pregnancy is not a time to lose weight. It is a time when you need to eat foods from all five food groups for the growth and development of your baby. Thirty to 40 years ago, doctors instructed pregnant women to gain no more than 15 to 20 pounds. Low birth weight babies and other problems were much greater than expected. Because of this and other research, weight gain standards have been changed.

Although it is very important for you to gain enough weight, weight gain above the recommended level may be hard to lose after your baby is born. Find the section listing your weight before pregnancy later on this page. The chart will tell you which of the following categories is yours.

Underweight

If you are underweight, studies show you need to gain 30 to 40 pounds during your pregnancy. The first trimester (0-13 weeks) you should gain four to five pounds. After this time you should gain one pound a week.

Normal Weight

You should gain 25 to 35 pounds during your pregnancy. During the first trimester (0 to 13 weeks) you should gain two to four pounds. After this time you should gain 3/4 to one pound a week.

Overweight

You should gain at least 15 pounds, but no more than 25 pounds during your pregnancy. During the first trimester (0 to 13 weeks) you should gain two to three pounds. After this time you should gain 1/2 to 3/4 pound a week. Remember, a large weight gain can lead to long-term obesity.

Twins

Current research suggests you should gain 40 to 50 pounds if you are pregnant with twins. You may need to include extra snacks or eat six meals toward the end of your pregnancy, since you'll have very little room to eat large meals.

In Conclusion:

Remember, weight gain is very important during your pregnancy. Try to follow the suggested guidelines so you can have the healthiest baby possible. If you have questions, please ask your doctor, dietitian, or nurse.