Healthy Weight Gain
How much weight should I gain?
Weight gain is normal and healthy during pregnancy. Weight gain recommendations vary depending on different factors such as your age and whether you are having more than one baby. How much weight you need to gain in pregnancy depends on your Body Mass Index (BMI) before pregnancy. BMI is a number based on a comparison of your weight and height.
Talk to your health care provider about how much weight you should gain in your pregnancy.
Use Health Canada's Pregnancy Weight Gain Calculator to find out what your BMI was before you became pregnant, and find out how much weight gain is recommended for you.
Suggested weight gain for pregnant women (based on a singleton pregnancy, aged 18 or older)
| BMI before pregnancy |
Recommended weight gain per week in the second and third trimester |
Recommended total weight gain |
| BMI less than 18.5 | 1.0 pound per week |
28 to 40 pounds (12.5 to 18 kg) |
| BMI 18.5 to 24.9 | 1.0 pound per week |
25 to 35 pounds (11.5 to 16 kg) |
| BMI 25 to 29.9 | 0.6 pounds per week |
15 to 25 pounds (7 to11.5 kg) |
| BMI 30 or more | 0.5 pounds per week |
11 to 20 pounds (5 to 9 kg) |
What can I do to have a healthy pregnancy weight gain?
- Talk to your health care provider about healthy pregnancy weight gain.
- Enjoy a variety of healthy foods.
- Aim for 30 minutes of walking a day – try leaving the car at home and walk to your destination.
- Avoid long periods of sitting – get up and move around every 20 minutes.
- Focus on positive relationships and activities.
- Try to get a restful sleep every night.