For Moms
Weight Gain Q&A
Q: How much weight can I expect to gain during pregnancy?
A: On average, 25 to 35 lbs (11.5 to 16 kg). 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.
Q. At what rate will I gain weight?
A. 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) |
Q: How much of this weight is actually baby?
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) |
Q: How many more calories do I need per day while I'm pregnant?
A: You will need about 350 extra calories per day in your second trimester and an extra 450 calories per day in your third trimester. Nutritious ones, that is. A turkey sandwich, on whole wheat with mustard, is a fine example.
For other nutrient-rich ways to get your fill, check out Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide.
Visit Health Canada’s website on pregnancy weight gain recommendations
