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Healthy Weight Gain in Pregnancy
Weight and weight gain are sensitive topics at any stage of life. The Health Unit aims to give information to maintain a healthy weight gain to reduce health risks to mom and baby, during pregnancy and beyond.
How much weight should I gain during pregnancy?
The recommended amount of weight gain during pregnancy depends on your pre-pregnancy body mass index or BMI. Use your height and weight to calculate your BMI here: Health Canada’s website.
Gaining within the recommended amount of weight helps you and your baby have the healthiest pregnancy possible, reduce risk of complications during delivery, and improve your long term health.
Weight Category |
Pre-Pregnancy BMI |
Suggested Weight Gain during Pregnancy Most weight gain should happen in 2nd and 3rd trimester |
|---|---|---|
Underweight |
BMI < 18.5 |
28 – 40 lbs |
Normal Weight |
BMI 18.5-24.9 |
25 – 35 lbs |
Overweight |
BMI 25 -29.9 |
15 -25 lbs |
Obese |
BMI 30+ |
11 – 20 lbs |
Note: These guidelines are not for women carrying twins or triplets. Women carrying multiples will need to gain more weight to support the extra tissues and blood needed to provide nutrients.
Healthy Eating
During pregnancy aim to eat ‘twice as healthy’ instead of ‘twice as much’. A healthy balanced diet will help to give your baby the nutrients it needs without leading to excessive weight gain for you, which can put you at risk for pregnancy complications. Visit http://www.babycenter.com/eating-for-two to learn more.
Physical Activity
Healthy pregnant women are encouraged to participate in physical activity. Visit http://parc.ophea.net/resource/active-pregnancy for suggestions and guidelines.
Mental Health and Well Being
Emotional changes are normal with pregnancy. Visit Best Start for more information on what to expect.