How Much Weight Should You Expect to Gain During Pregnancy?

19 June 2025

Pregnancy is an amazing journey — a time of excitement, anticipation, and, let’s be honest, some serious changes to your body. One of the biggest questions almost every mom-to-be has is: “How much weight should I gain while I’m pregnant?”

It’s a totally normal question. Your body is doing the incredible job of growing a tiny human, and with that comes a lot of changes — in your energy levels, your emotions, your diet, and yes, your weight.

Let’s dive into the details of pregnancy weight gain so you can go through each trimester with confidence and peace of mind.

Why Does Pregnancy Weight Gain Matter?

Before we start tossing around numbers, let’s talk about why pregnancy weight gain even matters.

Your body needs to gain weight during pregnancy — it’s not just a free-for-all for cravings (though trust me, we’ve all raided the fridge at midnight!). Gaining the right amount of weight helps support your baby’s growth and ensures that both you and your little one stay healthy from bump to birth.

Too little weight gain can lead to low birth weight or preterm birth. On the flip side, too much can increase your risk for gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, or delivery complications.

So, it’s all about finding that sweet spot — not too much, not too little… just right.

How Much Weight Should You Gain?

Short answer: it depends.

There’s no one-size-fits-all here because every woman starts pregnancy at a different weight and with different body needs. That’s why doctors use your pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index (BMI) to determine what’s healthy for you.

Here’s what most experts (including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) recommend:

| Pre-Pregnancy BMI | Category | Recommended Weight Gain |
|-------------------|------------------|--------------------------|
| < 18.5 | Underweight | 28–40 pounds (13–18 kg) |
| 18.5 – 24.9 | Normal weight | 25–35 pounds (11–16 kg) |
| 25 – 29.9 | Overweight | 15–25 pounds (7–11 kg) |
| ≥ 30 | Obese | 11–20 pounds (5–9 kg) |

Note: If you’re carrying twins or multiples, the numbers change — more on that later.

Where Does All That Weight Go?

You might be wondering, “If my baby only weighs a few pounds, where’s the rest of the weight coming from?”

Great question! It’s not all baby. Here’s how it generally breaks down for a single pregnancy:

- Baby: ~7–8 pounds
- Placenta: ~1.5 pounds
- Amniotic fluid: ~2 pounds
- Breast tissue: ~2 pounds
- Increased blood volume: ~4 pounds
- Increased fluid volume: ~4 pounds
- Fat stores for delivery and breastfeeding: ~6–8 pounds
- Uterus growth: ~2 pounds

So when you step on the scale and see an extra 25–35 pounds, remember — you’re not just gaining fat. You’re building an entire support system for a new life.

Weight Gain Breakdown by Trimester

Pregnancy isn’t a straight line when it comes to weight gain — most of it doesn’t even happen until the second and third trimesters. Let’s look at what’s typical during each stage.

First Trimester (Weeks 1–12)

You're probably still adjusting to all the changes, and maybe even battling morning sickness. Most women gain just 1–5 pounds in the first trimester. Some even lose weight.

Don’t stress if the number on the scale barely moves right now — your baby is still tiny, and your body is just getting started.

Second Trimester (Weeks 13–26)

This is usually when you start to notice those baby bumps really popping. You’ll typically gain about 1 pound (0.5 kg) per week during this trimester.

Why the bump in weight gain now? This is when the baby starts growing rapidly, and your body is doing overtime to support that growth.

Third Trimester (Weeks 27–40)

Same as the second trimester — expect around 1 pound per week. Your baby is packing on fat, your uterus is growing, and your body’s getting ready for labor.

That extra cushion of weight you’re gaining now? It’s also helping prepare your body for breastfeeding and recovery after birth.

What If You’re Carrying Twins (or More)?

Double (or triple) the joy also means more weight gain.

Here’s a general guide:

- Twins (Normal BMI): 37–54 pounds
- Twins (Overweight): 31–50 pounds
- Twins (Obese): 25–42 pounds

Your doctor will keep a close eye to ensure you’re gaining enough to support your little team.

What Affects How Much Weight You Gain?

Every body is different, and several factors can influence your pregnancy weight gain:

- Your metabolism: Some women burn calories faster, even during pregnancy.
- Appetite and cravings: Hello, pickles and ice cream!
- Morning sickness severity: If you’re nauseous 24/7, you may gain very little at first.
- Activity level: Staying active (with doctor approval) helps regulate weight gain.
- Pre-existing health conditions: Thyroid issues, diabetes, or PCOS can impact weight changes.

So don’t compare your journey to someone else’s — your body knows what it’s doing.

How to Manage Healthy Pregnancy Weight Gain

Let’s be clear: Pregnancy is not the time to diet. But you can be mindful about what, when, and how much you’re eating.

Here are a few down-to-earth tips:

1. Eat for Two... Wisely

This doesn’t mean doubling your calories — just about 300–500 extra calories a day in the second and third trimesters will do the trick.

Think of it more as “eating smart for two.” Load up on lean proteins, fruits, veggies, whole grains, and healthy fats.

2. Stay Hydrated

Water helps with digestion, reduces swelling, and keeps you energized. Aim for at least 8–10 glasses a day.

3. Get Moving

Unless your doctor says otherwise, staying active is a game-changer. Try walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga. It helps control weight, boosts your mood, and preps your body for labor.

4. Listen to Your Body

If you're hungry, eat. If you're full, stop. Simple? Yes. Easy to forget when you’re elbow-deep in a bag of chips? Also yes.

Try tuning in to your body’s natural hunger and fullness cues — they’re usually spot on.

When to Talk to Your Healthcare Provider

Talk to your doctor or midwife if:

- You’re rapidly gaining or losing weight
- You’ve hit a plateau for several weeks
- You’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious about your weight

Your provider can help you come up with a healthy plan and reassure you that you're on the right track. Remember, every pregnancy is different, and there's no "perfect" number.

Your Body Is Doing Something Amazing

If you’re pregnant, hats off to you. You’re literally building life from the ground up. That’s powerful, beautiful, and yes — sometimes uncomfortable. It’s okay to feel unsure or even frustrated about all the changes happening.

Pregnancy weight gain is just one part of a much bigger story. Focus on nourishing your body, staying active, and enjoying the journey. Whether you're gaining 25 pounds or 40, what's most important is that you're doing what's right for you and your baby.

So give yourself grace. You're growing a miracle.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Journey

Pregnancy isn’t about fitting into anyone else’s expectations — it's about taking care of you and your baby. Weight gain is just one chapter of this incredible story you're writing, and trust me, the ending is worth it.

Keep checking in with your body, your healthcare provider, and your heart. You’ve got this.