Checking weight during pregnancy

Find out how much weight you can expect to gain during pregnancy.

How much weight can I expect to gain during pregnancy?
On average, 25 to 35 lbs (11.5 to 16 kg)1. Smaller women may need a little more to store extra energy. If you started out a bit heavier, you may need to gain a little less. If you are pregnant with twins or triplets, your health care provider will suggest a healthy amount of weight to gain.

At what rate will I gain weight?
Weight gain is usually slow during the first 3 months. After this, your baby begins to grow more quickly. Although everyone is different, here is a guideline of what you can expect.
 
 First Trimester Second Trimester Third Trimester Total Weight Gain
Weight Gain 2-5 lbs (1-2 kg) 13 lbs (6 kg) 10-18 lbs (4.5-8 kg) 25-35 lbs (11.5-16 kg)

Reference: Day, Nicola RD. Healthy Eating for a Healthy Baby. Nutrition Resource Centre. 2016.

 

How much of this weight is actually the developing baby?
Weight gain is usually slow during the first 3 months. After this, your developing baby begins to grow more quickly. Although everyone is different, here is a guideline of what you can expect.
Breakdown of weight gain
 
Baby 6-8 lbs (2.5-3.5 kg)
Energy Stored as Fat 5-8 lbs (2 -3.5 kg)
Placenta and Amniotic Fluid 4-6 lbs (2-2.5 kg)
Blood 4 lbs (2 kg)
Breasts 2-3 lbs (1-1.5 kg)
Uterus 2-3 lbs (1-1.5 kg)
Extra Fluids 2-3 lbs (1-1.5 kg)
Total 25-35 lbs (11.5-16 kg)

Reference: Day, Nicola RD. Healthy Eating for a Healthy Baby. Nutrition Resource Centre. 2016.

How many more calories do I need per day while I'm pregnant?
You will need about 350 extra calories per day in your second trimester and an extra 450 calories per day in your third trimester1. Satisfy this caloric intake with nutritious foods, such as a turkey sandwich, on whole wheat with mustard.
 

References:

1 Day, Nicola RD. Healthy Eating for a Healthy Baby. Nutrition Resource Centre. 2016.