Healthy Weight Gain During Pregnancy
How much to gain depends on your pre-pregnancy BMI.
Recommended ranges
The Institute of Medicine suggests 12.5 to 18 kg for underweight, 11.5 to 16 kg for normal weight, 7 to 11.5 kg for overweight and 5 to 9 kg for obese women with one baby.
Pattern of gain
Gain is small in the first trimester, about 0.5 to 2 kg, then roughly 0.2 to 0.6 kg per week depending on starting BMI.
Why it matters
Gaining too much or too little raises risks for mother and baby. Your care team can tailor targets, especially for twins.
Try it: Pregnancy Weight Gain Calculator
Example with sample values. Open the full calculator →
Targets are from the Institute of Medicine for single pregnancies. Your care team may adjust them for twins or medical conditions.
Educational content only. This article does not replace advice from a qualified health professional. Medical disclaimer.