A healthy weight gain during pregnancy is important. Pregnancy is not a time to diet or to try to lose weight as it can lead to the poor growth and development of your baby. Gaining too much weight can also have negative health effects for you and your baby.

It is normal and expected that you gain weight when you’re pregnant. Gaining a healthy amount of weight in pregnancy:

  • supports your baby’s development
  • reduces the risk of complications in labour
  • helps you to return to a healthy weight after giving birth

Whether you are pregnant with one baby, twins or other multiples, a healthy weight gain is important. It can help lower the risk of babies being born too early and increase the chance that babies will be born at a healthy weight.

Talk to your health care provider if you notice weight loss, no weight gain or a lot of weight gain, especially if it’s sudden.

Where Does the Weight Go?

It’s common to gain very little weight in the first trimester. In the second and third trimesters a gradual increase of about 1 lb (0.5 kg) a week, or if carrying twins, about 1.5lb (0.75kg) a week, is normal as maternal supporting tissues and the baby(s) continue to grow.

Weight gain distribution during pregnancy. Blood volume 1.2 kg/3-4 lbs, extra body fluid 2 kg/4 lbs, energy stores 3-4 kg/6-8 lbs, breasts 0.5-1 kg/1-2 lbs, placenta 0.5-1 kg/1-2 lbs, baby 3.5-4kg, amniotic fluid 1 kg/2 lbs, uterus 1.5 kg/3lbs
Image: Pregnancy Weight Gain Distribution

How Much Weight Should You Gain?

The amount of weight gain recommended in pregnancy is different for each individual. Weight gain in pregnancy is influenced by many factors, including your eating habits, your level of physical activity and your overall health.

How much you need to gain depends on your weight before pregnancy. The weight gain recommendations provide a healthy weight gain range based on your Body Mass Index (BMI) before pregnancy (your pre-pregnancy BMI). To calculate your pre-pregnancy BMI use Health Canada’s Pregnancy Weight Gain Calculator or the formula: BMI = weight (kg)/height (m)².

The following are general recommendations for healthy weight gain in pregnancy. Talk to your health care provider to find out what would be a healthy weight gain in pregnancy for you.

Singleton Pregnancy

Pre-Pregnancy BMI Recommended Weight Gain
Underweight
BMI less than 18.5
12.5 – 18 kg / 28 – 40 lbs
Healthy weight
BMI 18.5 – 24.9
11.5 – 16 kg / 25 – 35 lbs
Overweight
BMI 25 – 29.9
7 – 11.5 kg / 15 – 25 lbs
Obese
BMI greater than 30
5 – 9 kg / 11 – 20 lbs

Source: Your Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy – Canada.ca

Twin Pregnancy:

Pre-Pregnancy BMI Recommended Weight Gain
Healthy weight
BMI 18.5 – 24.9
17 – 25 kg / 37 – 54 lbs
Overweight
BMI 25 – 29.9
14 – 23 kg / 31 – 50 lbs
Obese
BMI greater than 30
11 – 19 kg / 25 – 42 lbs

Source: Weight Gain During Pregnancy | Pregnancy | Maternal and Infant Health | CDC.

Triplets or Higher Multiple Pregnancy:

If you’re pregnant with triplets or higher multiples, talk to your healthcare provider about how much weight gain is best for you.​