Weight Gain During Pregnancy: What's Normal and What's Not?

Pregnancy weight gain is normal, but how much is too much — or too little? Learn what healthy weight gain looks like and why gaining more or less than you need can affect both you and your baby.

Typically, pregnancy is one time in your life when it’s important to gain weight. Extra weight means your baby is growing and developing properly, and it also means your body is supporting the added demands of the placenta and uterus.

That said, while weight gain during pregnancy is normal and expected, too much weight gain or too little can be unhealthy, both for you and your growing baby. In this post, Richard Roberts, MD, helps women at OB/GYN Associates of Conroe understand what “normal” pregnancy weight gain means, so you can avoid weight-related complications.

Healthy weight gain: What it means

Healthy pregnancy weight gain is all about giving your baby what they need to grow without causing unwanted health risks — for you or for your baby. So what does that mean? The answer depends a lot on your weight before you become pregnant.

In general, women who have a healthy weight before pregnancy should aim to gain 25-35 pounds over the course of their pregnancy. Women who are overweight before pregnancy typically need to gain less, around 15-25 pounds, while underweight women may be advised to gain more. (These numbers obviously change for moms carrying multiples.)

The amount of weight gain that’s considered healthy for you and your baby is something you should discuss during a pre-conception exam or during your first pregnancy checkup with Dr. Roberts.

“How” is as important as “how much”

It’s important to understand that pregnancy weight gain doesn’t happen all at once. Instead, these guidelines represent total weight gain occurring over the full nine months of pregnancy.

Most women gain only a few pounds during the first trimester, with additional gains during the second and third. Again, prenatal checkups throughout your pregnancy provide Dr. Roberts with a chance to track your weight and make recommendations as needed to keep you and your baby healthy.

It’s also important to know that the weight you gain during pregnancy isn’t “all baby.” The placenta, amniotic fluid, increased blood volume, and increased breast tissue all add weight, too. All of these gains support a healthy pregnancy and prepare your body for the birth experience and breastfeeding, as well.

Risks of too much (or too little) weight gain

While gaining weight during pregnancy is normal (and important), gaining too much can lead to complications. For moms, excessive weight gain is linked to gestational diabetes, high blood pressure (preeclampsia), heart conditions, miscarriage, and an increased chance of needing a Cesarean section. Too much weight gain can also increase other “side effects” of pregnancy, like back pain, indigestion, and sleep problems.

For your baby, excess pounds can lead to a higher birth weight and size, along with related labor and delivery complications. Larger babies may also have high blood sugar (glucose) levels at birth, along with a higher incidence of obesity during their growing years and beyond.

During the postpartum period, it can be harder to shed the pounds gained during pregnancy if your weight grows beyond healthy limits. For many women, difficulty losing pregnancy weight leads to feelings of frustration, depression, and low self-esteem, along with potentially higher risks of weight-related health problems, like diabetes or heart disease.

On the other hand, gaining too little weight during pregnancy can lead to problems, too, particularly for a developing baby. If you don’t consume enough healthy calories, your baby may not receive the support they need for optimal growth and development or the strength and stamina they need for labor and delivery.

Manage your weight successfully

Gaining weight during pregnancy is not just expected — it’s essential. The key is to make sure those gains fall within a healthy range for your (and your baby’s) specific needs. Having regular prenatal exams is the best way to monitor your weight, adjust your eating and exercise plans, and keep an eye out for potential complications so they can be addressed as early as possible.

To learn how Dr. Roberts can help you enjoy a healthy, happy pregnancy or to schedule your next prenatal exam, request an appointment online or over the phone with the team at OB/GYN Associates of Conroe in Conroe, Texas, today.