By Sindhu KogantiSindhu KogantiBTech (Biotechnology), Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, Andhra PradeshSpecialty: Ingredients & NutritionExperience: 6 years
Sindhu Koganti is a Certified Health and Nutrition Life Coach and has over 6 years of experience in writing on health and wellness topics. She has a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology from more
Pregnancy, also known as gestation, is an astounding biological process of the female body that lasts about 40 weeks and is divided into three trimesters. A pregnant individual’s body goes through a lot of changes during this phase physically, physiologically, emotionally, and mentally. A healthy pregnancy eventually leads to a healthy baby, and this is attributed to the fact that the mother is free from diseases and deficiencies and gaining enough weight to support the new life inside her. Find below a calculator that helps you assess the weight gained during pregnancy through automated results.
Your Pre-pregnancy BMI (Body Mass Index): " + bmi_val + " kg/m2
Your Pre-Pregnancy Weight: " + result_bmi_status.bmi_category + "
Your Target Pregnancy Weight Gain: " + target_weght + "
Recommended weight range when delivering (40th week): " + rec_wgt_range + " lbs
";
$("#charttext").html(resultdiv);
$("#chartContainer").css("display", "block !important");
$("#recalcu, #charttext, .weight-gain-result").show();
$("html,body").animate({scrollTop: $(".chartcover").offset().top - 50}, "slow");
}
if (cntry == "UK") {
var pre_wght = $("#pre_prg_weight_kg").val();
var current_week_kg = $("#current_week_kg").val();
var pre_prg_weight_kg = $("#pre_prg_weight_kg").val();
var height_in_cms = $("#height_cms").val();
var weight_kg = $("#weight_kg").val();
var confirm_twin = $("input[name=confirm_twins]:checked").val();
if (pre_wght == "") {
alert("Please enter your Pre-pregnancy Weight");
$("#pre_prg_weight_kg").focus();
return flase;
}
if (current_week_kg == "" || isNaN(current_week_kg)) {
alert("Please enter your Current Pregnancy Week ");
$("#current_week_kg").focus();
return flase;
}
if (pre_prg_weight_kg == "" || isNaN(pre_prg_weight_kg)) {
alert("Please enter your Current Pregnancy Week ");
$("#pre_prg_weight_kg").focus();
return flase;
}
if (height_in_cms == "" || isNaN(height_in_cms)) {
alert("Please enter your Height ");
$("#height_in_cms").focus();
return flase;
}
if (weight_kg == "" || isNaN(weight_kg)) {
alert("Please enter your Weight");
$("#weight_kg").focus();
return flase;
}
/* converting height from centimeters to meters*/
height_meters = (height_in_cms / 100);
/* calculating bmi value base on height(meter) and weight(kg) */
bmi_val = Math.round(bmi_calcuation(pre_wght, height_meters, "UK") * 100) / 100;
console.log("UK" + bmi_val);
/* */
result_bmi_status = bmi_level_status(bmi_val, "UK");
/*Calculating recommended weight range for weeks */
var bmi_cat = result_bmi_status.bmi_category;
switch (bmi_cat) {
case "Under Weight":
if (confirm_twin != "yes") {
var bmi_cat_type = "Under_Weight_Single_Child_kgs";
result_rec_wght_rang = rec_weight_range_cal(pre_prg_weight_kg, current_week_kg, bmi_cat_type, "UK");
} else {
var bmi_cat_type = "Under_Weight_Twins_kgs";
result_rec_wght_rang = rec_weight_range_cal(pre_prg_weight_kg, current_week_kg, bmi_cat_type, "UK");
}
rec_wgt_range = result_rec_wght_rang.rec_wgt_rang;
cur_rec_wgt_range = result_rec_wght_rang.cur_rec_wgt_rang;
result_coordinates = result_rec_wght_rang.rec_wgt_range_coordinates;
break;
case "Normal Weight":
if (confirm_twin != "yes") {
var bmi_cat_type = "Normal_Weight_Single_Child_kgs";
result_rec_wght_rang = rec_weight_range_cal(pre_prg_weight_kg, current_week_kg, bmi_cat_type, "UK");
} else {
var bmi_cat_type = "Normal_Weight_Twins_kgs";
result_rec_wght_rang = rec_weight_range_cal(pre_prg_weight_kg, current_week_kg, bmi_cat_type, "UK");
}
rec_wgt_range = result_rec_wght_rang.rec_wgt_rang;
cur_rec_wgt_range = result_rec_wght_rang.cur_rec_wgt_rang;
result_coordinates = result_rec_wght_rang.rec_wgt_range_coordinates;
break;
case "Over Weight":
if (confirm_twin != "yes") {
var bmi_cat_type = "Over_Weight_Single_Child_kgs";
result_rec_wght_rang = rec_weight_range_cal(pre_prg_weight_kg, current_week_kg, bmi_cat_type, "UK");
} else {
var bmi_cat_type = "Over_Weight_Twins_kgs";
result_rec_wght_rang = rec_weight_range_cal(pre_prg_weight_kg, current_week_kg, bmi_cat_type, "UK");
}
rec_wgt_range = result_rec_wght_rang.rec_wgt_rang;
cur_rec_wgt_range = result_rec_wght_rang.cur_rec_wgt_rang;
result_coordinates = result_rec_wght_rang.rec_wgt_range_coordinates;
break;
case "Obese Weight":
if (confirm_twin != "yes") {
var bmi_cat_type = "Obese_Single_Chld_kgs";
result_rec_wght_rang = rec_weight_range_cal(pre_prg_weight_kg, current_week_kg, bmi_cat_type, "UK");
} else {
var bmi_cat_type = "Obese_Twins_kgs";
result_rec_wght_rang = rec_weight_range_cal(pre_prg_weight_kg, current_week_kg, bmi_cat_type, "UK");
}
rec_wgt_range = result_rec_wght_rang.rec_wgt_rang;
cur_rec_wgt_range = result_rec_wght_rang.cur_rec_wgt_rang;
result_coordinates = result_rec_wght_rang.rec_wgt_range_coordinates;
break;
}
var target_weght = "";
//var tiwn_preg = "";
if ($("input[name=confirm_twins]:checked").val() == "yes") {
target_weght = result_bmi_status.wtg_range_single_twin_kgs;
//tiwn_preg = "Twin Pregnancy";
} else {
target_weght = result_bmi_status.wtg_range_single_child_kgs;
//tiwn_preg = "Singleton Pregnancy";
}
var resultdiv = "
Your Pre-pregnancy BMI (Body Mass Index): " + bmi_val + " kg/m2
Your Pre-Pregnancy Weight: " + result_bmi_status.bmi_category + "
Your Target Pregnancy Weight Gain: " + target_weght + "
Recommended weight range when delivering (40th week): " + rec_wgt_range + " kg
";
$("#charttext").html(resultdiv);
$("#chartContainer,.chartcover, .weight-gain-result").show();
var weight_difference = (diff_weight(weight_kg, pre_prg_weight_kg));
var single_coordinate = [{x: current_week_kg, y: weight_difference, label: "Your Weight Gain"}];
var bmi_msg = result_bmi_status.bmi_category;
//console.log(result_coordinates);
var max_wgt_gain = "";
if (weight_difference Your current weight is less than your previous weight.We suggest to please refer to your doctor to maintain a healthy weight for healthy pregnancy.
It is normal to gain weight during pregnancy due to the various changes happening within the mother’s body. Weight gain happens because of factors such as the growing size of the fetus, development of the placenta and amniotic fluid, changes in the shape and size of the breasts and uterus, etc. However, gaining too much or too little weight during pregnancy is a matter of concern as it may be due to underlying health issues.
Increased weight gain could lead to complications such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and postpartum water retention (1). On the contrary, less weight gain may cause preterm birth or a low birth-weight baby weighing less than 2.5 kg (2).
How Much Weight Can You Gain During Pregnancy?
Weight gain during pregnancy depends upon the BMI of the individual and also the type of pregnancy (single or twin pregnancy).
A BMI of 18.5-24.9 is considered normal. If the value is above 24.9, the individual is considered overweight, and more than 30 is considered obese. The following values give you a fair idea of weight gain that is ideal during pregnancy (3).
If you are underweight, i.e., you have a BMI of less than 18.5, you should gain between 28-40 pounds during pregnancy.
If your BMI is normal (18.5-24.9), your weight gain should be 25-35 pounds. For a twin pregnancy, it should be 17-25 pounds.
In case you are overweight (BMI of 25-29.9), weight gain between 15-25 pounds for single and 14-23 pounds for twin pregnancy is ideal.
If you are obese before pregnancy (BMI >30), you should gain 11-20 pounds of weight. For twin pregnancy, the weight gain should be between 11-19 pounds and not more than that.
Pregnancy Weight Gain Calculator
Before pregnancy
The following is a list of details to be recorded from the pre-pregnancy stage.
Height in feet/inches
Weight in decagrams(dag)/kilograms(kgs)/ounces(oz)/pounds(lb)/stones(stone)
BMI
You are in normal limits (18.5-24.9)
You are overweight (<18.5)
You are underweight (24.9-29.9)
You are obese (>30)
How To Use The Weight Gain Calculator
Follow the process mentioned below to get proper results using the calculator:
Weigh yourself on a weighing scale wearing light clothes.
Enter your details, such as height in feet, inches, or centimeters.
Enter your pre-pregnancy weight. This will give results for your BMI range.
Enter your week of pregnancy.
Select Yes/No for single or twin pregnancy.
View the results.
Keep track of your weight gain with a pregnancy weight calculator and accordingly make changes to your diet. This helps manage your weight and also promotes your overall health.
Pregnancy Weight Gain By Week And Trimester
We have now established that weight gain happens during pregnancy. However, the rate of progress varies between stages by week and trimester.
The weight gain during the first trimester is quite slow compared to the other two trimesters. Most of the gain happens in the second trimester and slows down by the end of the third trimester.
Pregnancy is divided into three trimesters:
First trimester: 1-3 months (first 12 weeks)
Second trimester: 4-6 months (13-28 weeks)
Third trimester: 7-9 months (29 weeks till birth)
The expected weight gain on a trimester basis in a woman with normal pre-pregnancy weight (4) –
First trimester: 0.5 pounds
Second trimester: 0.3-1.5 pounds per week
Third trimester: 0.4-1.5 pounds per week
Total Weight Gain During Pregnancy By Pre-Pregnancy BMI
The Institute of Medicine of Academics, based on the guidelines laid out by the World Health Organization (WHO), suggests a week-by-week estimate of the ideal pregnancy weight gain, as illustrated in the following chart.
Pre-Pregnancy BMI(kg/m2)
Category
Total Weight Gain Range
Total Weight Gain Range For Twin Pregnancy
<18.5
Underweight
28-40 lbs
18.5-24.9
Normal weight
25-35 lbs
37-54 lbs
24.9-29.9
Overweight
15-25 lbs
31-50 lbs
>/=30.0
Obese
11-20 lbs
25-42 lbs
Pregnancy Weight Gain Distribution Chart
Most of the weight gain during pregnancy is not because of fat accumulation but due to the increased maternal tissues and the growing fetus. The following table shows the weight gain distribution.
Enlarged breasts
1-3 pounds
Enlarged uterus
2 pounds
Placenta
1.5 pounds
Amniotic Fluid
2 pounds
Increased blood volume
2-3 pounds
Increase fluid volume
2-3 pounds
Fat stores
6-8 pounds
Changes In The Body During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, the female body goes through many changes, such as changes in the uterus, cervix, vagina, cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal system, urinary system, changes in the skin and breasts, and more. Let us look at some of these changes in detail.
Changes In Hormones
Estrogen and progesterone are the hormones that play a major role throughout pregnancy. High estrogen levels promote blood flow within the uterus and placenta, whereas high levels of progesterone cause an increase in maternal tissues, such as the breasts and the uterus, to accommodate the growing baby (3). These changes may also lead to mood swings, anxiety, depression, restlessness, and more.
Changes In The Cardiovascular System
Research has shown that the heart may expand in size due to increased load on it. During the second trimester, the heart works 40% harder in pregnant women than in non-pregnant women due to an increase in blood volume (4). There is a gradual increase of 30-50% in pregnant women. So at the end of pregnancy, she has 1.6 liters of blood compared to non-pregnant females (5).
Low Blood Pressure In Pregnancy
Many women feel dizzy in the first trimester due to a decrease in blood pressure. The hormone progesterone causes sudden relaxation in the blood vessels, decreasing vascular resistance (6). This may cause pooling of blood in the leg veins, a temporarily reduced blood supply to the brain, a feeling of acute dizziness, and brief periods of unconsciousness. Small and frequent meals and proper hydration can help combat low blood pressure.
Water Retention In Pregnancy
Fluid often builds up in the legs and feet of pregnant women in the first trimester, leading to a condition called edema (7). This is a very common condition and happens due to long periods of standing or being on foot.
Changes In Respiratory System
During pregnancy, the individual finds it difficult to breathe normally as the growing fetus pushes up toward the lungs (8).
Changes In The Gastrointestinal System
Many women experience nausea and morning sickness in the initial weeks of pregnancy (9). As the pregnancy progresses, indigestion and heartburn are also common occurrences because the growing baby crowds the mother’s stomach and pushes it higher than usual. This causes acid reflux in the chest. In such cases, pregnant individuals should have small and frequent meals and should not lie down until 2 hours after a meal.
Frequent Urination And Constipation
Frequent urination is a major change that happens in pregnant individuals, especially in the first and third trimesters of pregnancy ( 10). The growing baby puts a lot of pressure on the bladder, causing an urge to urinate often. Excessive water retention in the feet and legs is also responsible for frequent urination, especially at night. On one hand, the pregnant individual has bladder incontinence, and on the other hand, the increased pressure on the bladder muscles causes constipation.
Changes In Skin
Some individuals develop brownish or yellowish patches on the forehead and face – a condition called chloasma or mask of pregnancy (11). It usually begins during the 16th week of pregnancy, i.e., in the second trimester, and goes away after delivery. Other changes in the skin would be acne due to the production of excessive sebum, heat rashes over the skin, and stretch marks on the abdomen, thighs, and breasts due to the expansion of the skin.
Some individuals may also observe a dark line near the umbilicus and pubic bone called the linea nigra. It is hormone-induced and causes increased pigmentation but fades away after delivery.
Changes In The Breasts
A change in the bra size is the first thing one might observe in the initial months of pregnancy, all thanks to high levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones (12). This may keep changing throughout the pregnancy as there is also an increase in the size of the ribcage and the formation of milk-producing glands to account for.
The areola around the nipples darkens and Montgomery’s glands enlarge and tend to produce lubrication in the nipples and areola.
During the 16th week of pregnancy, the breasts start producing colostrum, also known as immature milk, that is high in nutrients and antibodies. It is a blessing for the newborn babies.
What To Eat During Pregnancy
Although it is not necessary to eat for two during the first trimester of pregnancy, there is an increased requirement for foods rich in nutrients such as folic acid, calcium, vitamin D, iron, and protein.
The most important thing to remember is that you need not go on a special diet. However, try to include a variety of foods that can provide essential nutrients. The following is a list of the nutrients to include in your diet (13):
Folate And Folic Acid Folate and folic acid are essential B vitamins required throughout pregnancy as they help prevent neural tube defects and abnormalities in the brain and spinal cord of the growing fetus. They are found in foods such as spinach, oranges, dried beans, and peas.
Calcium And Vitamin D Calcium and vitamin D are essential for the formation of strong bones and teeth and also for the proper functioning of the nervous, muscular, and circulatory systems. The lack of vitamin D hampers calcium absorption, so one must include foods like dairy products, egg yolk, green leafy vegetables, and fish in their diet alongside gaining the required nutrition from supplements.
Protein This is an important nutrient that is vital for the overall growth and development of the baby. It is found in foods such as poultry, fish, meat, soy products, beans, legumes, and dairy products.
Iron Iron deficiency, also known as anemia, is a very common problem during pregnancy due to increased blood volume. Avoid this condition by including iron-rich foods in your diet, such as lean meats, green leafy vegetables, poultry, dry fruits, and so on.
Apart from including the above-mentioned foods in your diet, it is also important to obtain such nutrients in the form of supplements as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Foods To Avoid
The following are the types of foods that you must avoid during pregnancy to ensure good health for you and your baby (14):
Raw, uncooked foods, and unwashed fruits and vegetables.
Unpasteurized milk products that carry the risk of food contamination.
Sea foods such as shark, swordfish, tuna, and mackerel that have high mercury content.
Excessive caffeine and alcohol as their toxic compounds cross the placental barrier and harm the baby.
Smoking is also not at all advisable as it impacts the baby’s health and leads to premature outcomes.
Additionally, one must be careful and check for any aversions and allergies to any foods apart from the above-mentioned ones and speak to a medical professional or their dietitian for proper guidance.
In Conclusion
Weight gain is a normal part of the pregnancy process as it supports the nutrition and changes a body requires to birth babies. However, in certain cases, the weight gain may be too much or too little, which may be a cause for concern. Our special pregnancy gain calculator helps you keep track of your weight gain rate and estimate if things are progressing smoothly. Consult your doctor to discuss any concerns and ensure adequate nutrition and rest to maintain steady and normal weight gain during pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much weight should a 5’2” woman gain during pregnancy?
A 5’2” woman should have a healthy BMI between 18.1-24.9. So, the total weight gained during pregnancy should range between 25-35 pounds.
How can I slow down my pregnancy weight gain?
First, consult your doctor and follow their advice. Apart from that, ensure to stay active. Walking for a few minutes to half an hour every day can help. If you are an active person, don’t change your routine too much. Avoid snacking on fatty and processed food. Instead, consume a balanced and nutritious diet.
Do your thighs get bigger during pregnancy?
Not necessarily. Some women may gain weight only in their upper body while some may show uniform weight gain all over their body. It depends on several factors such as genetics, hormonal changes, body composition, and lifestyle. However, an increase in thigh size during pregnancy is quite common and nothing to worry about.
Does being pregnant with a boy make you gain more weight?
Possibly. Some research has shown that women carrying a male fetus may experience more weight gain than those carrying a female fetus (15). However, more research is required to further validate these results.
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Sources
Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.
Himanshi Mahajan is a Certified Health & Nutrition Life Coach. She has a bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences from Guru Nanak Dev University and two years of experience in writing SEO-based and research-backed content across health and lifestyle genres. She aims to use her natural penchant for science and her love for writing to present engaging content to readers. When...more
Arshiya Syeda is a senior editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer and combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She holds a bachelor's degree in literature and psychology from Osmania University, Hyderabad, and a post-graduate diploma in psychological...more
Sindhu Koganti is a Certified Health and Nutrition Life Coach and has over 6 years of experience in writing on health and wellness topics. She has a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology from Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, and a diploma in nutrition from Fab Academy. After her graduation, she decided to combine her knowledge of science and love for writing to...more
Specialty: Ingredients & Nutrition
Experience: 6 years
