Welcome to ParentWeb! Learn more

How Much Weight-Gain Is Healthy For Pregnancy?
 
Weighting the Weight

Your baby will weigh in around seven and a half pounds, give or take. If you’re a normal weight, you can expect to gain 25-35 lbs. during pregnancy. About 7.5 lbs of that is baby, so what is the rest? Here’s a break-down:

Weight Composition
7lbs Fat, protein and nutrients stored to nourish your child
4lbs Increased fluid
4lbs Increased blood (blood doubles in volume during pregnancy)
3.5lbs Uterine growth, including tissue and the placenta
2lbs Breast growth, which includes increased fat and more milk ducts
2lbs Amniotic fluid that encases your child and keeps him or her safe
7.5lbs Your baby's weight
Total: 30lbs


Of course, the amount you gain can and should vary depending on your starting weight. If you’re of a normal weight, a 25-30 lb weight gain is perfect. However, if you’re a teen or underweight, you’ll need to gain 30-40 lbs to have a healthy baby. If you’re overweight, you’re going to want to gain 15-25 lbs. This is not the time to diet, though. By making very healthy food choices and limiting sweets and other empty calories, you should be able to keep your gain at the minimum.

PREGNANCY  
General Introduction to Pregnancy
Your Changing Body + Pregnancy
Your Baby’s Development
Potential Pregnancy Complications
Labor and Delivery
View all 
PARENTING  
General Introduction to Parenting
Child Nutrition
Childcare and Education
Sleep in the Early Years
Baby Milestones
View all 

JOIN THE PARENTWEB
COMMUNITY

Expecting a baby or new to parenting? We're here to help!
Join our community and find support, get answers to questions and make friends from all over the world!

SIGN UP FOR OUR
NEWSLETTERS

Want to stay informed on news from ParentWeb?

Get useful advice, information, and practical parenting tips from ParentWeb in your email inbox every week!

GET YOUR FREE
BABY TRACKER

Follow your baby's growth, right from your desktop!
Our Baby Tracker lets you learn more about what's happening each week - from pregnancy to
parenting!

 

Content on this page requires a newer version of Adobe Flash Player.

Get Adobe Flash player

 

Track your baby's progress -
the quick, fun and easy way!
Get your FREE ParentWeb Baby ticker!

 
About Us       |       Contact Us       |       Forum       |       Affiliates       |       Site Map       |       Terms of Use       |       Privacy Policy
 Copyright © 2010 ParentWeb Inc. All rights reserved.