Find out how much weight you can expect to gain during pregnancy.
How much weight canI expect to gain during pregnancy?
On average, 25 to 35 lbs (11.5 to 16 kg). Smaller women may need a little more to store extra energy. If you started out a bit heavier, you may need to gain a little less. If you are pregnant with twins or triplets, your health care provider will suggest a healthy amount of weight to gain.
At what rate will I gain weight?
Weight gain is usually slow during the first 3 months. After this, your baby begins to grow more quickly. Although everyone is different, here is a guideline of what you can expect.
First Trimester
Second Trimester
Third Trimester
Total Weight Gain
Weight Gain
2-5 lbs (1-2 kg)
13 lbs (6 kg)
10-18 lbs (4.5-8 kg)
25-35 lbs (11.5-16 kg)
How much of this weight is actually baby?
Breakdown of weight gain
Baby
6-8 lbs (2.5-3.5 kg)
Energy Stored as Fat
5-8 lbs (2 -3.5 kg)
Placenta and Amniotic Fluid
4-6 lbs (2-2.5 kg)
Blood
4 lbs (2 kg)
Breasts
2-3 lbs (1-1.5 kg)
Uterus
2-3 lbs (1-1.5 kg)
Extra Fluids
2-3 lbs (1-1.5 kg)
Total
25-35 lbs (11.5-16 kg)
How many more calories do I need per day while I'm pregnant?
You will need about 350 extra calories per day in your second trimester and an extra 450 calories per day in your third trimester. Satisfy this caloric intake with nutritious foods, such as a turkey sandwich, on whole wheat with mustard.
Learn about ways to stay active and exercise safely during pregnancy. Exercising has many health benefits. Exercise can help you sleep better, promote heart health, boost energy levels, and help you maintain a healthy weight. if daily exercise is an activity you enjoy, there are ways to continue exercising during pregnancy. You may need to make some changes to your workout routine, but as long as you follow your doctor’s recommendations, exercise can actually be beneficial for both you and your baby. Exercising during pregnancy reduces the incidence of backache, constipation, bloating and swelling. Furthermore, women who are active throughout their pregnancy generally enjoy higher levels of energy, improved mood, and potentially even shorter labor:
