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2 Apr 2024

The Recommended Weight Gain Guidelines for Pregnancy

Pregnancy
Pregnancy health
The Recommended Weight Gain Guidelines for Pregnancy
During pregnancy, healthy weight gain is important to support the growth and development of your baby while also ensuring your own well-being.
It's essential to follow recommended weight gain guidelines to promote a healthy pregnancy and minimize the risk of complications. Here's what you need to know:
Understanding Weight Gain Recommendations
The amount of weight you should gain during pregnancy depends on your pre-pregnancy weight and body mass index (BMI). The following are general weight gain recommendations based on BMI categories:
  • Underweight (BMI < 18.5): Recommended weight gain is between 28-40 pounds (12.5-18 kilograms).
  • Normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9): Recommended weight gain is between 25-35 pounds (11.5-16 kilograms).
  • Overweight (BMI 25-29.9): Recommended weight gain is between 15-25 pounds (7-11.5 kilograms).
  • Obese (BMI ≥ 30): Recommended weight gain is between 11-20 pounds (5-9 kilograms).
It's important to note that these are general guidelines, and individual variations may apply. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine the appropriate weight gain for your specific situation.
Factors Influencing Weight Gain
Several factors can influence your weight gain during pregnancy. Here are some important considerations:
  • Multiple pregnancies: If you're carrying twins or triplets, your healthcare provider may recommend higher weight gain to support the growth of multiple babies.
  • Gestational age: Weight gain tends to be gradual in the first trimester, followed by steady and more significant gains in the second and third trimesters.
  • Healthy eating: Focus on nutrient-dense foods and follow a balanced diet to support your baby's growth while providing essential nutrients for your own well-being.
  • Physical activity: Engage in regular exercise as approved by your healthcare provider. Physical activity can help maintain a healthy weight, improve fitness, and reduce the risk of complications.
Monitoring Your Weight Gain
Regular monitoring of your weight gain can help ensure that you're within the recommended range.
Consider the following tips:
  • Routine prenatal visits: Attend regular prenatal check-ups, during which your healthcare provider will monitor your weight gain and provide guidance.
  • Keep track of weight: Maintain a weight gain journal to record your weight at each visit and track your progress over time.
  • Healthy habits: Focus on overall healthy habits rather than obsessing over the numbers on the scale. Remember, weight gain during pregnancy is a natural and necessary process.
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Seeking Professional Guidance
It's important to seek professional guidance from your healthcare provider throughout your pregnancy journey.
They will provide personalized recommendations based on your individual circumstances and monitor your health and the well-being of your baby.
  • Consult with your healthcare provider: Discuss your weight gain goals and any concerns or questions you may have regarding weight management during pregnancy.
  • Registered dietitian: Consider consulting with a registered dietitian who specializes in prenatal nutrition to create a personalized meal plan that meets your nutritional needs.
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Leslie
2 Feb 2024

How much weight did you guys gain throughout your pregnancy? I’m a little concerned that I’m gaining too much weight 😔 I’m short and small for the most part my prepregnancy weight was 134. I currently 168pounds.

Pregnancy Pregnancy health
8 comments
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Latasha Marie🌸
So far 16 lbs… I’m 30 weeks today && most of it just came the past 2-3 months
27 Mar 2024

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Karissa
I’m 30 weeks and Ive gained 32 lbs 😮‍💨
27 Mar 2024

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Karmaa💕
19 Dec 2023

Any tips on gaining weight during pregnancy? I used to be a WAM BAM THANK YOU MA’AM Lol! But since I’ve been pregnant I’ve lost alllll my weight now, would love some tips on how to gain weight? What things I can eat? I don’t have a big appetite unfortunately ☹️Also would love for baby to gain some weight too. Dr says he should be a pound now but he’s only 10 ounces☹️

Pregnancy Pregnancy health
3 comments
K
Karmaa💕
Does that necessarily help gain weight? How much did it help you?
27 Mar 2024

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Youa
2 Oct 2023

Hi mommy's How can you gain weight? Any suggestions? I need to gain at least 6ibs before my next appointment. Total weight needed for this pregnancy is 125-150ibs. My current weight is 99ibs.

Pregnancy Pregnancy health
1 comments
S
Samantha
I drink ensures. It helps me
27 Mar 2024

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Brittany
5 Apr 2023

I’ve been in my 190’s for 3 months now. No more weight gain for me . I was 155 starting off this pregnancy and I have 5 weeks Left and I’m 190 right now. I’m happy af I stopped gaining all that weight .

Pregnancy Pregnancy health
2 comments
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Breanna
I been in the 160’s starting off I’m 176 my weight really don’t be going anywhere this the first pregnancy I was that big I’m normally 160’s pregnant really 🤣😩
27 Mar 2024

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Yendry Vanessa
My starting weight was 105. At my 36wk appointment 5 days ago I was 167. I love my body so much rn❤️
27 Mar 2024

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alysia
25 Oct 2022

my weight gain has been stressing me out! I was 143 pounds before pregnancy now i’m 179 in 30weeks…

Pregnancy Pregnancy health
4 comments
C
Cheyenne
hey i was 195 lost down to 183 now 215 and i’m 34 weeks
27 Mar 2024

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a
alysia
i’m scared because my doc said 25-35 pounds is what your suppose to gain throughout your whole pregnancy and i’m already at 35 pounds gained
27 Mar 2024

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Laurel
2 Jul 2022

Hey mamas how much weight gain is normal in pregnancy? My doctor told me I’m not gaining enough weight. I’m now 3 pounds heavier than before I was pregnant and I’m 26 weeks.

Pregnancy Pregnancy health
3 comments
S
SRote
I’m 32 weeks and have gained 23 pounds so u have time it’s when baby starts gaining as well
27 Mar 2024

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K
Keely
Everyone is different. At my office they said if you’re overweight gaining 12-25 pounds in normal and then if you’re a healthy weight gaining up to 30 was normal. I know the baby doesn’t start packing on weight until 25/26 weeks so you’ll probably gain more soon 😃
27 Mar 2024

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kara 💕aubries mommy🎀
23 Jun 2022

Tips on how to gain weight while in 2nd month of pregnancy? I feel like I’m losing and that worries me

Pregnancy Pregnancy health
1 comments
C
Cheyenne
A lot of women lose weight during their first trimester. I know it can be worrisome but it will be okay. You’ll start to gain more in your 2nd. I lost a lot of weight during my first trimester and didn’t start gaining until around 17ish weeks. I promise you’ll be ok
27 Mar 2024

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