WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Healthy Weight Gain During Pregnancy

Pregnancy
Pregnancy health
Healthy Weight Gain
It's an exciting and challenging time, and one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your growing baby is to maintain a healthy weight gain.
However, with so much conflicting information out there, it can be challenging to know where to start.
In this article, we'll explore what healthy weight gain looks like, how to measure your BMI, and provide some tips on how to maintain a healthy weight gain throughout your pregnancy.
What is healthy weight gain?
Gaining weight is an essential part of a healthy pregnancy, but it's important to do it in a way that supports your health and your baby's development.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), healthy weight gain during pregnancy varies based on your pre-pregnancy BMI (body mass index).
  • For women with a pre-pregnancy BMI of 18.5 to 24.9, a healthy weight gain is between 25 and 35 pounds.
  • For women with a pre-pregnancy BMI of 25 to 29.9, a healthy weight gain is between 15 and 25 pounds.
  • For women with a pre-pregnancy BMI of 30 or higher, a healthy weight gain is between 11 and 20 pounds.
It's important to remember that these are general guidelines, and your doctor or midwife may recommend a different weight gain based on your individual health needs.
However, by following these recommendations, you can help ensure that you and your baby stay healthy throughout your pregnancy.
How to measure your BMI
To determine your pre-pregnancy BMI, you can use a simple formula that takes into account your height and weight.
  • BMI = weight (kg) / height (m²)
You can also use an online BMI calculator to get an estimate of your pre-pregnancy BMI.
Once you know your BMI, you can use the guidelines above to determine a healthy weight gain for your pregnancy.
Tips for maintaining a healthy weight gain
Now that you know what a healthy weight gain looks like, how can you make sure you stay within these guidelines?
Here are some tips:
  • Healthy, balanced diet: Focus on eating a variety of nutrient-dense foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. Avoid processed and high-sugar foods as much as possible.
  • Stay active: Regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight gain and improve your overall health. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week, such as walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga.
  • Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help you avoid excessive weight gain and keep you and your baby hydrated.
  • Don't "eat for two": While it's true that you need extra calories, you don't need to double your food intake. Instead, aim to increase your daily calorie intake by 300-500 calories, depending on your pre-pregnancy BMI.
When to see a doctor
While it's important to maintain a healthy weight gain, it's also essential to listen to your body and seek medical help if you experience any concerning symptoms. Here are some signs that you may need to see your doctor:
  • Excessive weight gain: If you gain more weight than the recommended amount for your pre-pregnancy BMI, or if you gain weight rapidly in a short period, you may need to adjust your diet and exercise habits or see your doctor.
  • Unexplained weight loss: If you're losing weight, it could be a sign of a more serious health issue, such as gestational diabetes or hyperemesis gravidarum.
  • Swelling or edema: Some swelling in the feet and ankles is common, but if you experience sudden or excessive swelling, especially in the face or hands, it could be a sign of preeclampsia.
  • Difficulty breathing: If you're having trouble breathing, especially if it's accompanied by chest pain or rapid heartbeat, it could be a sign of a more serious issue.
If you experience any of these symptoms, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor or midwife for guidance and support.
All you need to know
Healthy Eating Essentials
1 min read
W
Wanda💕💕🥰
17 Jan 2024

How much weight you suppose to gain during your pregnancy I'm currently 27 weeks and I weigh 183 my doctor said I gain 8 pounds since my first appointment idk if Im eating enough or not but the doctor didn't have no concerns so I'm guessing I'm on the right track idk...

Pregnancy Pregnancy health
11 comments
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Alma
I’m 32w4d, and i weigh 158, since my first appointment i have gained 30 lbs😫😫😫which is super alot to me. And i cant imagine the rest of lbs i’m gonna gain before my baby is born
27 Mar 2024

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Kerrie
I found out at 5 weeks an was 94 lbs now I’m 30 weeks n 4 days weight 140.6 an she weight 3lbs 4 oz rn
27 Mar 2024

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Paige
31 Jul 2023

I’m 30 weeks and 2 days. Is it normal to not really gain any weight during pregnancy? I’ve only gained a total of three pounds . Just want my baby girl heathy . This is my second baby and I had no problem with weight gain with the first .

Pregnancy Pregnancy health
3 comments
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Khadijah
I’ve only gained 1.4lbs but my baby girl has been putting in all the weight. I lost a lot of weight in the first and second trimester, but it all came back as baby weight. My doctors told me it’s okay as long as the baby is gaining weight.
27 Mar 2024

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Paige
Doc said baby is on the smaller side but still healthy , I always just feel like baby has no room cuz I’m not showing to much
27 Mar 2024

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Brenda
17 Jun 2023

Who else gained so much weight during pregnancy? I’ve gained about 50 pounds and grew stretch marks on my belly and side 😭 I didn’t have some before and I hope I can bounce back after birth and have the body I want I hope I don’t carry on the gain weight . But I love my body for growing my baby healthy can’t wait to meet her .

Pregnancy Pregnancy health
6 comments
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Gabby💗👑
Me girl 😭🩷I was sad at first like damn I’m getting fat but then I stop feeling bad about it because are bodies are doing a beautiful thing I’m hoping the same to bounce back
27 Mar 2024

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Kaila
I’ve gained 50lbs too. Don’t sweat it once baby comes out you’ll lose it!
27 Mar 2024

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Makayla
9 Jun 2023

How much weight did you gain during pregnancy?? This is my first and my pre pregnancy weight was around 128 I am now 140 and only 17 weeks to me that seems like so much in a short amount of time 🥴

Pregnancy Pregnancy health
6 comments
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Brianna
im in the same boat as you girl 💘 its all love, when baby comes youll lose it all just think of it as babies cushion rn 🥰
27 Mar 2024

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Makayla
Thank you 🥹
27 Mar 2024

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Olivia
17 May 2023

You think people would know not to tell a 7 months pregnant woman she's fat over and over. I weigh 133 and pre pregnancy I weighed 104. I've put on a healthy amount of weight and honestly I needed to gain this weight. She's got one more time before I SNAP.

Pregnancy Pregnancy health
3 comments
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Tania
Ignore people. People always have something to say
27 Mar 2024

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Christina
I feel ya. My ob got mad at me bc her floor scale said I had gained 10lbs in 2 weeks and I tried telling her she was wrong but she wouldn't listen and said I wasn't being careful and then 2 days later at my high risk specialist their advanced scale said I had only gained 2lbs I literally cried bc she said everything for no reason
27 Mar 2024

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Sereina
11 Feb 2023

I'm currently 19 weeks and wanna know what are some things I can eat during my pregnancy to make my baby gain more weight she's currently 10oz

Pregnancy Pregnancy health
6 comments
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✨𝑀𝓊𝓂 𝑜𝒻 𝒶 𝒬𝓊𝑒𝑒𝓃 ✨
Isn’t it a normal weight? She’s supposed to be approximately 500 grams (17oz) in your 28th week. Or did the doctor said there’s something wrong? Either way, just eat normally and consistently throughout the day. If you’re craving something don’t hold yourself back
27 Mar 2024

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Sereina
No the doctor didn't say anything someone else told me it wasn't okay for her to 10 oz at 19 weeks so I just thought something was wrong thank you a lot
27 Mar 2024

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S
Smiles
22 Jan 2023

Any thoughts on how to manage weight gain during pregnancy? And a possible natural sleep aid??

Pregnancy Pregnancy health
6 comments
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Tiyla Banks
I take melatonin every night to sleep ! It's very hard for me to sleep throughout the night
27 Mar 2024

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🍹Jenni
Unisom for sleeping! I’ve heard others talk about certain teas before bed! Manage your weight by eating healthy things, like veggies, fruits anything with fiber. U got to eat some carbs for the baby! Just walk a lot or be active, exercise!!
27 Mar 2024

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Maya
27 Nov 2022

On Tuesday I saw on Ob/gyn that was not my regular ob/gyn. She mentioned that I have only gained 5 pounds on my pregnancy and that could mean that my baby is small or underweight. I’m really scared just waiting for the ultrasound. Any moms that didn’t gain weight during pregnancy and had a healthy baby?

Pregnancy Pregnancy health
5 comments
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Danielle 🦦🪷
I fluctuated the same 5/6 lbs in my last two pregnancies. My babies are both healthy. Granted I’m still pregnant with the one but she’s measuring just fine. I wouldn’t worry about it until they give you the ultrasound to see.
27 Mar 2024

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Rebekah
I have actually lost weight in both my pregnancies from my before baby to the end of my pregnancy. I think with my son by the end I was 2 pounds heavier. My son was fine and my daughter is measuring on track when they do fundal measurements and from the last ultrasound I had.
27 Mar 2024

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Alina
15 Jun 2022

Sometimes peoples advice during pregnancy can just be overwhelming. My mom keeps saying that I shouldn’t gain too much weight and makes remarks like wow you already gained 8 pounds at 20 weeks? While my sisters are like eat more you need to make sure your baby is healthy and that’s not a lot of weight! Too much opinions flying!

Pregnancy Pregnancy health
10 comments
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Alina
Yea that’s what most people say and honestly I just feel like rolling my eyes at my mom bc I remember her when she was pregnant with my younger siblings and she gained a lot more weight than me.. but it still got to me bc I had just lost 50 pounds before getting pregnant so still struggling with the weight gain and made me all self conscious like maybe I’m eating too much :/ I don’t need that stress right now!
27 Mar 2024

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wykeelah
I gained 15 pounds by week 29 you are fine don't let things upset you take it for what it is and move on a healthy baby is what you want nothing else matters.
27 Mar 2024

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Leeara AKA Babies Wor
23 Apr 2022

My doctor says I’m high risk because of my weight gain during my pregnancy should I be worried ? My baby heart rate is beating 160 pee hour .

Pregnancy Pregnancy health
13 comments
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Emily
How much weight did you gain? Haven't heard that before unless they are now classifying you as obese? Normal baby heart beat 😀
27 Mar 2024

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Morgan
Girl im 205 and my heartbeat is the same your good
27 Mar 2024

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