Pregnancy Weight Gain Tracker

Recommended Pregnancy Weight Gain

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommends different total weight gain ranges based on pre-pregnancy BMI. Most weight gain occurs in the second and third trimesters.

In the first trimester, expect 1–4 pounds total. After that, about 1 pound per week for normal weight, 0.5–0.7 lb/week for overweight. These are guidelines — discuss your specific situation with your provider.

IOM (Institute of Medicine) 2009 guidelines for total pregnancy weight gain by pre-pregnancy BMI: Underweight (BMI <18.5): 28–40 lbs; Normal weight (18.5–24.9): 25–35 lbs; Overweight (25.0–29.9): 15–25 lbs; Obese (≥30): 11–20 lbs. Twin pregnancies add approximately 10 lbs to each range.

Timing of weight gain: minimal gain is expected in the first trimester (1–4 lbs total for most). Second and third trimesters typically average 0.5–1 lb per week for normal-weight individuals. Rapid gain in the third trimester can reflect fluid retention rather than fat deposition, which normalizes postpartum.

Components of pregnancy weight gain at term: baby ≈7.5 lbs, placenta ≈1.5 lbs, amniotic fluid ≈2 lbs, uterus growth ≈2 lbs, breast tissue ≈2 lbs, blood volume expansion ≈4 lbs, fluid and fat stores ≈7–10 lbs. Total ≈26–29 lbs for a normal-weight pregnancy — consistent with the IOM guidelines.

Inadequate gestational weight gain is associated with low birth weight and preterm delivery. Excessive weight gain increases risks of gestational diabetes, hypertension, macrosomia (large baby), and difficulty losing weight postpartum. Both under and over-gain are monitored at prenatal visits.

These are general guidelines. Your healthcare provider will give personalized weight gain targets based on your full medical history.

See also: Due Date Calculator · Fetal Growth Tracker