Weight Gain During Pregnancy

How much weight you gain during pregnancy depends on your weight before you became pregnant. Your health care provider or WIC staff can help you understand what's right for you.

Weight Gain Guidelines

The guidelines below are based on your build before getting pregnant.

• If you had a leaner build (BMI* less than 18.5)
  • You could gain about 28-40 lbs.
• If you had an average build (BMI 18.5-24.9)
  • You could gain about 25-35 lbs.
• If you had a stockier build (BMI 25-29.9)
  • You could gain about 15-25 lbs.
• If you had a heavyset build (BMI 30 or higher)
  • You could gain about 11-20 lbs.

*BMI (Body Mass Index) is based on your height and weight.

Why Weight Gain Matters

Steady weight gain during pregnancy helps keep you and your baby healthy. It supports your baby's growth.

If you have an average build, you'll likely gain 1-4 pounds total in your first trimester. Starting in month 4, you may gain about ½ to 1 pound each week.

Supporting steady weight gain:

What Your Weight Gain Means

You don’t have to figure this out on your own. Talk to your health care provider or WIC staff when you have questions.