How Much Weight Should You Gain During Pregnancy?
Recommended weight gain depends on your pre-pregnancy BMI. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines, endorsed by the CDC and ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists), provide ranges based on starting weight status.
Weight Gain Pattern by Trimester
Most weight gain occurs in the second and third trimesters. A typical pattern for normal-weight women is 1-5 lbs total in the first trimester, then roughly 1 lb per week through the second and third trimesters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Per IOM guidelines: underweight women should gain 28-40 lbs, normal weight 25-35 lbs, overweight 15-25 lbs, and obese 11-20 lbs over a full-term single pregnancy.
Twin pregnancies require more weight gain than single pregnancies. IOM guidelines suggest 37-54 lbs for normal weight women carrying twins, to support the growth of two babies.
These are general guidelines — always discuss your specific situation with your healthcare provider, since individual factors (medical conditions, multiples, nutritional needs) can affect appropriate weight gain.