How much weight should I gain?
Recommended gain depends on your pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI). According to the US Institute of Medicine (IOM), for singleton pregnancies:
- Underweight (BMI below 18.5): 12.5-18 kg
- Healthy weight (BMI 18.5-24.9): 11.5-16 kg
- Overweight (BMI 25-29.9): 7-11.5 kg
- Obesity (BMI 30 or above): 5-9 kg
A total of 0.5-2 kg is expected in the first trimester, followed by steady weekly gain.
Why does it matter?
Gaining more than recommended raises the risk of gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, a large baby and caesarean birth, while gaining too little is linked to fetal growth restriction and preterm birth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I diet during pregnancy?
Weight-loss diets are not recommended in pregnancy. For overweight women the aim is to keep gain within the recommended range with balanced eating and regular exercise.