Pregnancy Weight Gain Chart
The Pregnancy Weight Gain Chart is a health reference tool covering pregnancy weight gain chart, pregnancy weight gain chart by week kg, pregnancy chart in months, pregnancy chart. Use the chart below to look up values instantly. Printable and downloadable versions are available on this page.
Pregnancy Weight Gain Calculator
Enter pre-pregnancy weight, height, and current week to get personalized trimester-by-trimester weight gain targets.
Pregnancy Weight Gain Recommendations by BMI
Recommended Total Pregnancy Weight Gain — IOM and ACOG Guidelines
| Pre-Pregnancy BMI Category | BMI Range | Recommended Total Gain — Singleton Pregnancy | Recommended Total Gain — Twin Pregnancy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Underweight | Below 18.5 | 28 to 40 lbs (12.7 to 18.1 kg) | 50 to 62 lbs (22.7 to 28.1 kg) |
| Normal weight ★ | 18.5 to 24.9 | 25 to 35 lbs (11.3 to 15.9 kg) | 37 to 54 lbs (16.8 to 24.5 kg) |
| Overweight | 25 to 29.9 | 15 to 25 lbs (6.8 to 11.3 kg) | 31 to 50 lbs (14.1 to 22.7 kg) |
| Obese | 30 and above | 11 to 20 lbs (5.0 to 9.1 kg) | 25 to 42 lbs (11.3 to 19.1 kg) |
Source: Institute of Medicine (IOM) 2009 Weight Gain During Pregnancy guidelines and ACOG Practice Bulletin
Recommended Pregnancy Weight Gain by Week — By Pre-Pregnancy BMIShaded bands show the recommended cumulative weight gain range at each gestational week
Source: Institute of Medicine and ACOG pregnancy weight gain guidelines
Where the Weight Goes in Pregnancy
Breakdown of Weight Gain in a Typical Pregnancy
| Component | Approximate Weight |
|---|---|
| Baby | 7 to 8 lbs |
| Placenta | 1 to 2 lbs |
| Amniotic fluid | 2 lbs |
| Uterus (growth) | 2 lbs |
| Breast tissue increase | 2 lbs |
| Increased blood volume | 3 to 4 lbs |
| Body fluids (tissue oedema) | 2 to 3 lbs |
| Maternal fat stores and energy reserves | 6 to 8 lbs |
| Total typical range | 25 to 35 lbs (for normal BMI) — see table above for BMI-specific recommendations |
Source: ACOG and Mayo Clinic pregnancy weight breakdown reference
Trimester Weight Gain Guide
Expected Weight Gain by Trimester — Normal BMI Reference
| Trimester | Expected Weight Gain | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First trimester (weeks 1–13) | 1 to 4 lbs total (0.5 to 1.8 kg) | Very little gain expected in the first trimester — weight may even decrease if nausea is severe. |
| Second trimester (weeks 14–27) | Approximately 1 lb per week — 12 to 14 lbs total | This is typically when appetite returns and steady gain begins. |
| Third trimester (weeks 28–40) | Approximately 1 lb per week continuing — 10 to 14 lbs | Baby gains approximately half their birth weight in the third trimester. |
Source: ACOG Practice Bulletin — Weight Gain During Pregnancy
Pregnancy Weight Gain Calculator
Enter your pre-pregnancy weight, height, and current week to get personalized trimester-by-trimester weight gain targets and a check on your current progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much weight should I gain during pregnancy?
The recommended total weight gain depends on your pre-pregnancy BMI. Women with normal BMI (18.5 to 24.9) are advised to gain 25 to 35 lbs. Overweight women should gain 15 to 25 lbs and obese women 11 to 20 lbs.
What happens if I gain too much weight during pregnancy?
Excessive weight gain increases the risk of gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, C-section, and having a large-for-gestational-age baby. It also increases the difficulty of losing the pregnancy weight postpartum and slightly raises long-term metabolic risk for the baby.
Is it normal to lose weight in the first trimester?
Yes — it is normal and common to lose weight in the first trimester due to nausea and vomiting (morning sickness). As long as you are staying hydrated and the weight loss is not severe, weight lost to morning sickness is typically regained in the second trimester.
How quickly should pregnancy weight come off after birth?
Most women lose 10 to 15 lbs in the first few weeks after birth — from the baby, placenta, amniotic fluid, and reduced blood volume. The remaining pregnancy weight (fat stores) is typically lost gradually over 6 to 12 months postpartum with a healthy diet and activity.
What is the recommended weight gain per week in the second trimester?
For women with normal pre-pregnancy BMI the recommended gain is approximately 1 pound per week in the second and third trimesters. This equates to about 4 lbs per month during this active growth period.
Does a bigger baby mean more weight gain during pregnancy?
Baby size is only one component of pregnancy weight — the baby typically contributes 7 to 8 lbs of the total. The majority of pregnancy weight comes from increased blood volume, amniotic fluid, placenta, uterine growth, breast tissue, and maternal fat stores.
Is it safe to diet during pregnancy?
Calorie restriction dieting is not appropriate during pregnancy — even for overweight or obese women. The recommendation is to manage rate of gain rather than restrict calories — focus on nutrient-dense foods rather than calorie reduction.
What is gestational weight gain monitoring?
Gestational weight gain monitoring means tracking weight at each prenatal visit and comparing it to the IOM guideline ranges. If weight gain is too rapid (more than 2 lbs per week) or too slow (less than 1 lb per week in the second and third trimesters) the care provider will discuss dietary and lifestyle adjustments.