Pregnancy is not a time to diet or try to lose weight as it can lead to the poor growth and development of 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

The amount of weight you gain is influenced by your diet, activity level and overall health.

How Much Weight Should You Gain?

Use Health Canada’s pregnancy weight gain calculator to calculate your pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and see what a healthy weight gain is 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

(Adapted from Health Canada, 2010)

Where Does the Weight Go?

Most women need to gain about 25 to 35 lbs (11.5 -16 kg) in pregnancy. 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 is normal since the baby and supporting tissues 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
Pregnancy Weight Gain Distribution

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