Pregnancy and Childbirth

Weight Gain During Pregnancy

Weight gain during pregnancy varies from woman-to-woman and depends on body type and severity of nausea and vomiting. Average weight gain for women is between 25 to 35 pounds, although slight deviations from this may also be considered normal.

Total weight gain at the end of pregnancy is, in most instances, approximated as follows, according to the March of Dimes:

baby 7.5 pounds
maternal energy stores
(fat, protein, and other nutrients)
7 pounds
fluid volume 4 pounds
breast enlargement 2 pounds
uterus 2 pounds
amniotic fluid 2 pounds
placenta 1.5 pounds

Average weight gain per trimester:

first trimester 3 to 4 pounds
second trimester 12 to 14 pounds
third trimester 8 to 10 pounds

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Online Resources of Pregnancy & Childbirth

This content was reviewed by Mid-Atlantic Womens Care, PLC. Please visit their site to find an Mid-Atlantic Womens Care obstetrician.

To locate a CHKD physician or practice, search our physician directory, or call (757) 668-7500 or (800) 395-2453, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. You may also e-mail us at healthline@chkd.org.


Disclaimer: This information is not intended to substitute or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your child's physician. The content provided on this page is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your child's physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding a medical condition.

Last reviewed on 9/30/2005