From the Guidelines
The recommended weight gain during pregnancy varies based on pre-pregnancy BMI, with underweight women (BMI < 18.5) gaining 28-40 pounds, normal weight women (BMI 18.5-24.9) gaining 25-35 pounds, overweight women (BMI 25-29.9) gaining 15-25 pounds, and obese women (BMI ≥ 30) gaining 11-20 pounds, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study 1.
Key Recommendations
- Underweight women (BMI < 18.5): gain 28-40 pounds
- Normal weight women (BMI 18.5-24.9): gain 25-35 pounds
- Overweight women (BMI 25-29.9): gain 15-25 pounds
- Obese women (BMI ≥ 30): gain 11-20 pounds
Importance of Appropriate Weight Gain
Appropriate weight gain during pregnancy is crucial to optimize maternal and fetal health outcomes, reducing the risk of complications such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, and cesarean delivery 1. Excessive weight gain can lead to postpartum weight retention and increase the risk of obesity and related diseases in both the mother and child 1.
Monitoring Weight Gain
Regular prenatal visits allow healthcare providers to monitor weight gain and make personalized recommendations, ensuring that women receive tailored support to achieve a healthy weight gain during pregnancy 1.
Risks Associated with Excessive Weight Gain
Excessive weight gain is associated with short-term risks such as gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia, and large-for-gestational age babies, as well as long-term risks including future overweight and obesity, and obesity in the child 1.
Healthcare Professional Training
Healthcare professionals need training and support to discuss weight gain with pregnant women, providing them with accurate and evidence-based information to make informed decisions about their weight gain during pregnancy 1.
From the Research
Recommended Weight Gain During Pregnancy
The recommended weight gain during pregnancy varies based on pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index (BMI). According to the studies, the ideal weight gain during pregnancy is still a topic of debate, with some researchers suggesting that the current guidelines may be too liberal, especially for obese pregnant women 2.
Weight Gain Recommendations Based on Pre-Pregnancy BMI
- For women with a normal pre-pregnancy BMI (18.5-24.9 kg/m2), the recommended weight gain is 25-35 pounds (11.3-15.9 kg) 3.
- For women with a pre-pregnancy BMI of 25-29.9 kg/m2 (overweight), the recommended weight gain is 15-25 pounds (6.8-11.3 kg) 3.
- For women with a pre-pregnancy BMI of 30-34.9 kg/m2 (obese), the recommended weight gain is 5-15 pounds (2.3-6.8 kg) 3.
- For women with a pre-pregnancy BMI of 35-39.9 kg/m2 (severely obese), the recommended weight gain is 0-5 pounds (0-2.3 kg) 3.
- For women with a pre-pregnancy BMI of 40 kg/m2 or higher (morbidly obese), some studies suggest that weight loss during pregnancy may be beneficial, with a recommended weight loss of 5-10 kg (11-22 pounds) 4.
Factors Influencing Weight Gain Recommendations
- The relationship between gestational weight gain and birth weight is complex, and excessive weight gain is associated with an increased risk of large-for-gestational-age (LGA) infants and maternal morbidity 2, 5.
- Maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and gestational weight gain are independent risk factors for pregnancy complications, caesarean delivery, and preterm birth 5.
- Excess pregnancy weight gain is associated with an increased risk of child overweight at age 3 years, and its impact is greater among high and obese BMI women than it is in normal BMI women 6.