Weight Gain During Pregnancy

On average, a healthy amount of weight gain during pregnancy is 22-35 pounds for normal weight women. This is usually accomplished by gaining 4-6 pounds during the first trimester, and about two-thirds to one pound a week during the second and third trimesters.

Where does this weight come from? According to the Nemours Foundation, this is how a 30-pound pregnancy weight gain is typically distributed:

• 7.5 pounds: your baby’s weight
• 1.5 pounds: the placenta
• 2 pounds: enlargement of your uterus
• 2 pounds: amniotic fluid surrounding your baby
• 2 pounds: breast enlargement
• 4 pounds: your extra blood
• 2-7 pounds: your extra stored nutrients
• 1-4 pounds: your extra body fluids

Pregnant Woman

© 2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.

Keep in mind that pregnancy weight gain may vary.

• If you are underweight, you should gain 27-35+ pounds.
• If you are overweight, you should gain 15-25 pounds.
• If you are obese, you should gain about 15 pounds or less.
• And if you are having multiples (eg, twins, triplets), you will gain more weight, so talk to your doctor about the amount of weight gain that will be best for you.

If you gain too much weight during pregnancy, you will be at increased risk of complications, including ]]>diabetes]]> , ]]>high blood pressure]]> , ]]>constipation]]> , and backaches. In addition, your labor and delivery may be longer and more difficult. On the other hand, if you don’t gain enough weight, you baby will not get the nutrients he or she needs to grow and develop properly.