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