Pregnancy Weight Gain: How Much is Healthy?

Pregnancy Weight Gain: How Much is Healthy?
One of the most common questions during pregnancy is: How much weight gain is normal?
The answer depends on your Body Mass Index (BMI) before pregnancy.
BMI is calculated by dividing your weight (in kilograms) by your height (in meters) squared:
BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height² (m²)
Pregnancy is not the time for strict dieting. In fact, most expecting moms need about 300 extra kilocalories per day to support their growing baby.
But what does 300 kcal look like?
• 1 glass of whole milk = about 150 kcal
• 1 medium apple = about 70 kcal
• A small sandwich can easily complete the rest

How much weight gain is healthy?
If you are underweight (BMI below 18.5), gaining around 500 grams per week can help support a healthier baby and a normal birth weight.
If your BMI is in the normal range (18.5–24.9), about 400 grams per week is usually a healthy amount.
If your BMI is above 25, a slower weight gain of around 300 grams per week may be better to reduce the risks of:
• Gestational diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Large baby size
• Birth trauma during labor
• Cesarean delivery
• Retaining extra weight after birth and....

Remember, these are general recommendations. Every pregnancy is unique, so always discuss your ideal weight gain with your healthcare provider.

And remember, pregnancy weight gain is not just “fat gain.”
It includes:
• Your baby’s weight
• The placenta
• Amniotic fluid
• Increased blood volume
• A growing uterus
• Larger breasts
• Extra fluid stores
Your body is doing an incredible job preparing for birth and feeding your baby.

The more you understand your body, the better you can care for yourself and your baby.

At Cozy Family Care, we believe informed moms make stronger choices. That’s why we’re here not only to provide maternity, breastfeeding, and postpartum essentials, but also practical information to support you through every stage of motherhood.

We will be sharing a new helpful topic every week to support moms and families through pregnancy, breastfeeding, postpartum recovery, and baby care.

 You can Visit us in-store at Kings Place Mall, Fredericton, or shop online at cozyfamilycare.com.

Every motherhood journey is different. If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover next, we’d love to hear from you.

Important Note:
The information shared here is for general education and support only. Every pregnancy is unique, and your nutritional needs and weight gain goals may be different. Please stay in touch with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and medical care throughout your pregnancy.

References:

• UpToDate – Weight gain during pregnancy
• Mayo Clinic – Pregnancy weight gain: What’s healthy?
• National Academy of Medicine (NAM) – Guidelines for Gestational Weight Gain