Weight Gain During Pregnancy

As a general rule of thumb, doctors recommend that women gain 10 pounds in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy, and 1 pound per week thereafter. However, very few women gain weight in precisely that pattern. Every woman is different, and factors like starting weight, activity levels, exercise habits, genetic makeup and eating habits come into play. Even emotional issues related to a woman's personal history—such as anorexia, bulimia, weight gain and weight loss—are important factors in determining the amount of weight that a pregnant woman should gain.

The important thing to remember is that appropriate weight gain is essential for a healthy pregnancy, and gaining too much or too little weight can put your pregnancy at risk. Every woman should work with her health care provider to determine her appropriate weight gain, without relying on formulas or charts.