How much weight should I gain during pregnancy?

Bottom lineRecommended pregnancy weight gain depends on pre-pregnancy BMI: about 12.5 to 18 kg if underweight, 11.5 to 16 kg at a healthy weight, 7 to 11.5 kg if overweight, and 5 to 9 kg if obese (for a single baby); most gain happens in the second and third trimesters. Too little raises the risk of a small or preterm baby and too much raises gestational diabetes and blood pressure risks, so focus on a balanced diet and activity over an exact number.

Recommended pregnancy weight gain depends on your pre-pregnancy BMI. The guidance below is for a single baby; carrying twins means gaining more.

General guidance (single pregnancy)

• Underweight (BMI under 18.5): about 12.5 to 18 kg (28 to 40 lb)
• Healthy weight (BMI 18.5 to 24.9): about 11.5 to 16 kg (25 to 35 lb)
• Overweight (BMI 25 to 29.9): about 7 to 11.5 kg (15 to 25 lb)
• Obese (BMI 30+): about 5 to 9 kg (11 to 20 lb)

How it's distributed

Most gain happens in the second and third trimesters (often around 0.5 kg / 1 lb per week), with little needed in the first trimester. The weight is baby, placenta, fluid, blood, and tissue, not just fat.

Why the range matters

• Too little gain raises the risk of a small baby and preterm birth
• Too much raises the risk of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and a larger baby

What to focus on

A balanced diet and staying active matter more than hitting an exact number. You don't need to "eat for two" - calorie needs rise only modestly.

Check your starting point with the BMI Calculator, and read our healthy pregnancy guide and on gestational diabetes screening.

Femora helps you track pregnancy alongside your health goals week by week.