The appropriate weight gain during a pregnancy depends on several factors, including mother's pre-pregnant weight and age. A woman who is of average weight is encouraged to gain somewhere between 25-35 pounds during pregnancy. Underweight women need to gain a bit more weight, and high weight women a bit less. No one should ever try to lose weight during pregnancy. Maternal weight loss results in excess blood ketone levels.
Ketones are toxic to fetuses.
Weight gain goals are typically presented in graph format. In order to select the appropriate graph for your pregnancy, begin by calculating the Body Mass Index for your pre-pregnancy weight. Once you know your pre-pregnancy weight category, review the selections below for a graph in pounds or kilograms, and find your age group or, if appropriate, the multiple pregnancy category that best describes you. Click on your selection to learn about individual recommendations. Greater weight gain in smaller women increases the risks for problems at the time of delivery.