#  How Will My Weight Change in Pregnancy? 

 

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Eating for yourself and growing a baby will change your weight. That’s why **gaining weight is a normal and healthy part of pregnancy**.

It’s important to remember:

- The **amount of weight gain is different** for each person.
- It can be hard to control exactly **when or how fast** you gain weight.
- Most of the weight comes from your **baby, the placenta, amniotic fluid, and extra blood** your body makes.

### What’s the Right Amount of Weight to Gain?

The amount of weight to gain depends on your weight and height before pregnancy. Talk with your provider or a registered dietitian about the best weight gain for your body.

General guidelines are that you should gain:

- 28 to 40 pounds if you are underweight
- 25 to 35 pounds if you are average weight
- 15 to 25 pounds if you are overweight
- 12 to 20 pounds if you are very overweight

If you have twins, you may need to gain more weight.

[Calculate How Much Weight You Should Gain](https://www.calculator.net/pregnancy-weight-gain-calculator.html "Bump & Beyond: The Low Glycemic Index Diet for Gestational Diabetes | Boston Medical Center")

### Tips for Healthy Weight Gain

- **Eat small meals and snacks every three to four hours** during the day. Our [guide to healthy eating](/bump-beyond/during-pregnancy/nutrition-exercise/healthy-eating-during-pregnancy "Bump & Beyond: Healthy Eating During Pregnancy | Boston Medical Center (bmc.org)") can tell you more about healthy diet choices.
- **Drink water**, seltzer, unsweetened flavored water, and diet sodas.
- **Choose high-protein and high-fiber foods** like whole wheat carbs, nonfat Greek-style yogurt, unsalted nuts, or reduced-fat cheeses.
- **Pair a fruit or vegetable with protein** (like nuts, cheese, yogurt, beans, or eggs) to keep you satisfied between meals.
- **Use only small portions of fats** like butter, sour cream, mayonnaise, and salad dressing.
- Avoid or **limit how often you eat deep fried foods**.
- **Limit sweets** like candy, baked goods, sodas, juices, and fruit smoothies.
- **Exercise regularly.** [See our tips for exercise in pregnancy.](/bump-beyond/during-pregnancy/nutrition-exercise/exercise "Bump & Beyond: Exercise: Get Moving During Pregnancy | Boston Medical Center (bmc.org)")

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