How Much Weight Should I Gain?
It is important to gain the right amount of weight during pregnancy. Your weight gain contributes to the growth and development of your baby, and helps your body stay healthy while pregnant. Gaining too much or too little can be harmful.
For a healthy pregnancy, it is normal to gain weight and the recommended amount will vary depending on your baseline weight and height and whether you are pregnant with a single or multiple babies. Healthy pregnancy weight gain helps the body store nutrients and raises the amount of blood and other fluids it makes. Be sure to check with your doctor for specific advice.
To find out if you were underweight or heavy before you became pregnant, measure your body mass index (BMI) using our BMI Calculator. BMI is an estimate of body fat based on a person's height and weight.
If your BMI is:
- Less than 18.5, you are underweight and should gain 28-40 pounds.*
- Between 18.5-24.9, your weight is normal and should gain 25-35 pounds.*
- Between 25-29.9, you are overweight and should gain 15-25 pounds.*
- 30 or more, you are obese and should gain 11-20 pounds.*
Make sure to check with your doctor to see if these weight gain ranges apply to you and to set weight gain goals.
Members can log in to their Blue Access for MembersSM account for more healthy pregnancy information.
Sources: * American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) 
