HOW MUCH WEIGHT SHOULD I GAIN?

Generally, most women gain between 25-35 pounds during pregnancy.  If you are underweight before you are pregnant you will need to gain more and overweight women should gain less.  Talk with your healthcare provider about the ideal weight you should gain during your pregnancy.

If you gain more than 6.5 pounds a month or gain less than 2 pounds a month in the second and third trimester you should talk to your healthcare provider.  Good nutrition will provide a healthy and gradual weight gain. Pregnancy is definitely not a time to be dieting as this could prevent healthy growth and development of your baby.

Where Does the Extra Weight Go?

• Amniotic Fluid – 2 lbs
• Baby – 7.5 lbs
• Blood – 4 lbs
• Breasts – 3 lbs
• Extra body supplies for pregnancy and breastfeeding – 5-8 lbs
• Retention of fluid- varies
• Uterus – 2.5 lbs

Rate of Gain:

1st Trimester- 2-8 lbs

2nd Trimester- 1 lb per week

3rd Trimester- 1 lb per week

February 28, 2007