Weight Gain

Pregnancy weight gain is a healthy part of fetal gestation. As the placenta forms, fluid is retained, blood volume increases, and the baby grows. With all of these changes, weight gain is expected. Typical weight gain for a pregnant woman of normal weight is 25 to 35 pounds. Women who are overweight can expect to gain less – 11 to 20 pounds. On the opposite end of the spectrum, women who are underweight should gain between 28 and 40 pounds.

Weight gain should be gradual, as the body needs time to stretch and grow with fetal development. Gaining weight too fast can increase the risk of stretch marks even if the pregnant woman is not genetically predisposed to stretch marks.

Women pregnant with multiples can expect weight gain of 15 pounds more per baby. That means being pregnant with twins can account for 50 pounds of weight gain. Triplets can account for 65 pounds or more.

If a pregnant woman is eating healthy and not overindulging on high calorie foods, weight gain should be gradual. If a sudden increase in weight gain is noted in the final month or so of pregnancy, preeclampsia or gestational diabetes could be the cause. Tests can be run to test for gestational diabetes, but there is no test for preeclampsia so any fast weight gain needs to be reported to the treating obstetrician immediately.