Learn More About Your Pregnancy

PREGNANCY
NEW BABY

Weight Gain in Pregnancy

Q:

Should you gain more weight in your first or second trimester?

Second trimester

Correct!

Doctors suggest women gain: 1 to 4 pounds total during the first trimester 2 to 4 pounds per month during the 2nd and 3rd trimester.

First trimester

Incorrect!

Doctors suggest women gain: 1 to 4 pounds total during the first trimester 2 to 4 pounds per month during the 2nd and 3rd trimester.

You should gain weight gradually during your pregnancy, with most of the weight gained in the last three months. Many doctors suggest women gain weight at the following rate: 

  • 1 to 4 pounds total during the first three months (first trimester). 
  • 2 to 4 pounds per month during the fourth through ninth months (second and third trimesters). 


The total amount of weight you should gain during your pregnancy depends on your weight when you became pregnant. According to the CDC: 

If before pregnancy you were: 

You should gain: 

Underweight (BMI less than 18.5) 

28-40 pounds 

Normal weight (BMI 18.5 – 24.9) 

25-35 pounds 

Overweight (BMI 25.0 – 29.9) 

15-25 pounds 

Obese (BMI greater than or equal to 30.0 

11-20 pounds