Recommended Weight Gain in Pregnancy
The recommended amount of weight gain in your pregnancy is dependent on your pre-pregnancy weight. If you are overweight, you should gain less weight than average and if you are under weight you should gain more. The recommended amount of weight gain is calculated using your BMI (body mass index). You can calculate your BMI by using an online calculator using your height and weight. The following are weight gain recommendations by BMI:
| BMI before pregnancy | Recommended amount of weight gain |
|---|---|
| Less than 18.5 | 28-40 pounds |
| Normal BMI of 18.5-24.9 | 25-35 pounds |
| Overweight BMI 25-29.9 | 15-25 pounds |
| BMI over 30 | 10-20 pounds |
During your first trimester it is normal to gain very little weight or no weight at all. You do not need to increase your caloric intake during the first trimester. Just make sure you are eating a balanced diet.
Being overweight during your pregnancy can increase your risk of complications such as:
- Pre-eclampsia
- Pre-term birth
- Gestational diabetes
- Large baby
- Birth injury during vaginal delivery
- Cesarean birth
- Birth defects
