Pregnancy Weight Gain Calculator

Watching your weight is important during pregnancy.

Using a pregnancy weight gain calculator can help ensure the health of you and your baby.

Weight gain is a normal part of pregnancy. As your uterus expands and your baby grows, the numbers on the scale should gradually increase.

• The average baby weighs 7 to 8 pounds
• A larger uterus accounts for approximately 2 pounds of pregnancy weight
• Breast size increase may add on between 1 and 3 pounds
• A healthy placenta weighs about 1.5 pounds
• Your amniotic fluid totals 2 pounds
• Increased maternal blood volume accounts for another 4 pounds
• Maternal fluid volume adds about another 4 pounds
• Necessary fat stores during pregnancy equal 6 to 8 pounds

A healthy weight gain is important for the growth and development of your baby. It also decreases the risk of health consequences for you, both during pregnancy and later in life.

Various factors influence how much weight you should gain during pregnancy. Depending on your pre-pregnancy body mass index and weight, and any existing medical conditions you have, your ideal weight gain may be higher or lower than the recommended ranges. If you are carrying more than one baby, you will likely need to gain extra weight.

Only your obstetrician can you tell you precisely how much weight gain is ideal for the health of you and your developing baby.

Overeating is the primary cause of excessive weight gain during pregnancy with cravings for sweet or fatty foods making it difficult to keep your weight under control. Monitoring your weight with a pregnancy weight gain calculator can let you know when it is time to cut back on the donuts.

In some cases, excessive pregnancy weight gain may result from certain disorders of pregnancy. Rapid weight gain is especially worrisome and needs prompt medical attention.

Some causes of excessive weight gain:

• Excess amniotic fluid
• Gestational diabetes
• Severe swelling and water retention
• Pre-eclampsia, which is potentially life threatening

Health effects of excessive weight gain:

Gaining an excessive amount of weight during pregnancy can increase your risk of developing certain complications and health conditions, including:

• Gestational diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Varicose veins
• Increased risk of cesarean delivery
• Backaches, fatigue, and leg pain

Weight gain during the first trimester is not important, which is good for women dealing with morning sickness. However, during the second and third trimesters, weight gain becomes increasingly important to meet the physical demands of pregnancy and to promote the growth and development of your baby.

If you are unable to gain weight, even after increasing your daily caloric intake, speak with your obstetrician as soon as possible. A few health conditions may cause insufficient weight gain and a number of potentially serious health consequences may result from too little gain during the second half of pregnancy.

Some causes of insufficient weight gain:

• Severe morning sickness
• Smoking, drinking, or using drugs during pregnancy
• Dietary restrictions or dieting
• Some pre-existing medical conditions and metabolic disorders unrelated to pregnancy

Health effects of insufficient weight gain:

Insufficient weight gain during pregnancy may put your baby at risk of certain complication and health conditions, including:

• Premature birth
• Low birth weight
• Nutritional deficiencies

The American Pregnancy Association recommends pregnant woman follow certain weight gain guidelines, unless otherwise instructed by a doctor.

• Underweight Before Pregnancy:
  • 28 to 40 pounds

• Healthy Weight Before Pregnancy:
  • 25 to 37 pounds

• Overweight Before Pregnancy:
  • 15 to 25 pounds

Free weight gain calculators for pregnant women are available online:

• Estimated Pregnancy Weight Gain Calculator

• Pregnancy Weight Change Calculator

• Weight Gain Estimator

• Pregnancy Weight Gain Estimator

Healthy weight gain during pregnancy is essential for the health of both mom and baby. Work closely with your obstetrician, keep all your prenatal appointments, and use a pregnancy weight gain calculator to keep you on the right track.

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