Weight Gain in Pregnancy - What is normal?

Many women struggle with the fear of gaining too much weight during pregnancy. While you should certainly be aware of the weight you are gaining, it is important to realize that a healthy pregnancy will see weight gain. An average woman should expect to gain 25-35 pounds during pregnancy. This weight will come from a variety of sources:

-Increased Fluid Volume contributes about 2 to 3 pounds.
-Increased Blood Volume contributes about 3 to 4 pounds.
-Your baby will weigh 6 1/2 to 9 pounds.
-The Placenta will weigh around 1 1/2 pounds.
-Amniotic Fluid contributes around 2 pounds.
-Enlargement of the breast will increase their weight 1 to 3 pounds.
-Enlargement of the uterus increases its weight to around 2 pounds.
-Finally, fat stores and muscle development add roughly 4 to 8 pounds.

If you are having twins, you will probably gain around 34 to 40 pounds. If you were overweight before you became pregnant, your physician may advise you to gain between 15 and 25 pounds; if you were underweight, it may be 28 to 40 pounds.

While you do, of course, need an increased calorie intake while pregnant, it is important now more than ever to eat healthy food. Avoid empty calories from cookies, soda pop and chips. Make sure to discuss weight gain as well as diet with your physician.

Each pregnancy, expectant mother, and unborn child is different. Your pregnancy may not progress the same as the information found here. The information here is based on the average pregnancy. It's not meant to be a replacement for any advice your may receive from your doctor. If you have any concerns about your pregnancy, we advise you to contact your doctor.