How many kilos can I gain during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, a woman can gain between 5 and 18 kilos during the nine months, or 40 weeks, of pregnancy. However, weight gain always varies depending on the body weight the woman had before pregnancy and the type of pregnancy.

It is normal to gain weight during pregnancy, as during this period there are physical and hormonal changes that cause an increase in fluid retention, the weight of the uterus and the size of the woman’s breasts, for example.

However, it is important to maintain an adequate weight during pregnancy to prevent problems such as under or overweight babies at birth, diabetes and gestational high blood pressure, and childhood obesity.

How many kilos is normal to gain during pregnancy?

During the entire pregnancy, a woman can gain between 5 and 18 kilos. However, this weight gain varies according to the body weight the woman had before becoming pregnant and the type of pregnancy.

To find out how many kilos you can gain during pregnancy, enter your data into the calculator below:

If your weight is above or below the indicated range, it is recommended to consult your obstetrician to assess the possible causes of the weight change.

How to calculate weight gain

To assess weight gain during pregnancy, you must calculate your BMI before becoming pregnant. Then, this result must be compared with the weight gain values ​​in the following table:

The calculation of weight gain during pregnancy is based on the recommendations of the Institute of Medicine (IOM), which means “Institute of Medicine” in Portuguese, and which considers the BMI before pregnancy.

There is still no scientific data to determine the weight gain that women with multiple pregnancies (triplets or more) should gain. Therefore, it is recommended to always consult your obstetrician to check whether your body weight is adequate.

What can cause weight gain

Weight gain during pregnancy is caused by physical and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, such as increased fluid retention and breast size. Furthermore, a woman’s weight during pregnancy is also influenced by the weight of the fetus, placenta and amniotic fluid.

High weight gain during pregnancy can arise due to excessive food intake and lack of physical activity, for example.

How to maintain adequate weight during pregnancy

To maintain an adequate weight during pregnancy, it is recommended to maintain a healthy and varied diet, prioritizing natural foods such as fruits, legumes, whole grains, dairy products and vegetables. See what nutrition should be like during pregnancy.

During pregnancy, it is also advisable to practice physical exercise regularly, as it also helps to keep your weight under control. Check out some exercises recommended during pregnancy.

See nutritionist Tatiana Zanin for some tips for maintaining weight during pregnancy: