It is important to gain a healthy amount of weight in pregnancy. Gaining weight is an expected and normal part of pregnancy. Sometimes it’s hard to know how much weight to gain in pregnancy. Eating healthy foods from Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide and drinking 10-12 cups of fluid daily can help women gain the suggested amount of weight in pregnancy. Women sometimes worry about losing the extra weight after pregnancy. Talk to your dietitian and/or primary health care provider for more specific information about your pregnancy weight gain.
How much weight do I gain by the end of pregnancy?
The amount of weight you gain by the end of pregnancy is based on your weight, height, and age before you were pregnant. For a 19+ year old (single pregnancy), if you were:
- At a healthy weight before you were pregnant, it is suggested to gain about 25-35 lbs (11.5-16 kg)
- Underweight before you were pregnant, it is suggested to gain about 28 – 40 lbs (12.5 – 18 kg)
- Overweight before you were pregnant, it is suggested to gain about 15 – 25 lbs (7 – 11.5 kg)
- Obese before you were pregnant, it is suggested to gain about 11 – 20 lbs (5 – 9 kg)
Remember that these are suggested amounts of weight gain. Everyone’s body is different. You may gain a little less or more than the suggested amounts and that is ok.
Talk to your dietitian and/or health care provider for more information about your weight gain in your pregnancy.
How much weight do I gain for each trimester?
- In the first trimester, it is suggested to gain about 2-4 lbs (1 – 2 kg).
- In the second and third trimesters, it is suggested to gain about 1 lb/wk (0.4 kg), with underweight women gaining a little more weight, and overweight/obese women gaining a little less weight per week.
Have more questions about gaining weight in pregnancy? Contact Toronto Public Health and speak directly with a health professional.
