A woman with a normal BMI pre-pregnancy should gain around 25-35 pounds during a healthy pregnancy.
Although exercise is important, what you eat is the key factor. During your prenatal appointments, work with your obstetrician to set weight goals tailored for your needs. The amount of weight is important for the health of the pregnancy and the long-term health of you and your baby.
The following are approximate estimates of the distribution of weight gain during a healthy pregnancy for a woman with a normal BMI.
Blood = 3-4.5 lbs
Breasts = 1-2 lbs
Extra Water = 4-6 lbs
Uterus = 2-3 lbs
Placenta = 2-2.5 lbs
Amniotic Fluid = 2-2.5 lbs
Baby = 7-8 lbs
Fat Stores = 4-6.5 lbs
Total = 25-35 lbs
Pregnancy Weight Gain Trackers for Women Pregnant with One Baby
Tracker for women who begin pregnancy underweight
Tracker for women who begin pregnancy at a normal weight
Tracker for women who begin pregnancy overweight
Tracker for women who begin pregnancy with obesity
Interested in learning more? Visit the CDC’s page on Weight Gain During Pregnancy.
