How Much Weight Should I Gain During Pregnancy?

Gaining weight during pregnancy is a given, but how much should you gain? The answer varies from woman to woman, but we have general guidelines for pregnancy weight gain.

You will gain weight during your pregnancy, but that shouldn't be something you obsess about. The goal is to be as healthy as possible and deliver a healthy baby safely.

At Glendale OBGYN in Glendale, Arizona, Dr. Diana Heard and her team work with you to help you manage your weight gain (or loss) during pregnancy. We also help you manage your nutrition so your baby gets everything they need to be born healthy. You can read our Guide to Pregnancy for more helpful information, especially if you’re a first-time mom.

How much weight gain is typical?

Weight gain during pregnancy is a hotly contested subject. Of course, every woman is different, but in general, too much weight gain can put you at risk of gestational diabetes and high blood pressure, and too little weight can mean your baby doesn’t get optimal nutrients, and you might deliver an underweight baby.

By the numbers

Our recommendations for weight gain during a singleton pregnancy (following CDC guidelines) are:

Underweight women (BMI less than 20): 28-40 lbs
Average weight women (BMI 20-25): 25-35 lbs
Overweight women (BMI 26-29): 15-25 lbs
Obese women (BMI >30): 11-20 lbs

These weight gain targets can change if you’re having multiples.

Where does the weight gain come from?

Most pregnancy weight should comprise the amniotic fluid surrounding your baby, the increased blood supply, the placenta, and your baby itself. Your uterus and breasts enlarge, adding more weight, and your body also tries to store some fat in preparation for breastfeeding.

The weight gain process

In a perfect scenario, you gain weight at a steady pace throughout your pregnancy. Most women with a healthy diet and lifestyle only gain a few pounds during the first trimester. After that, you can expect to add about a pound a week until your baby is born. Occasionally, the scale increases, only to level out for several weeks.

Your pregnancy diet

You need extra calories to grow a healthy baby, but the saying - eating for two, isn’t the best way to look at it. As your pregnancy progresses, concentrate on strength-building blocks for your body by eating whole grains, lean meats, healthy fats, dairy for calcium and vitamins, and plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit.

If you are concerned about weight gain during pregnancy or need help with a nutrition plan, call our office at 602-298-8977 or book an appointment with Dr. Heard through our online system today.