What is the normal range of weight gain during pregnancy?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Healthy weight gain during pregnancy typically ranges from 25 to 35 pounds for women with a normal pre-pregnancy BMI (18.5–24.9). However, recommendations vary based on your starting weight:

Underweight (BMI under 18.5): 28–40 pounds
Normal weight (BMI 18.5–24.9): 25–35 pounds
Overweight (BMI 25–29.9): 15–25 pounds
Obese (BMI 30+): 11–20 pounds

Gaining too little or too much weight can affect both maternal and fetal health, so tracking your progress with your healthcare provider is essential.

If you're unsure whether your weight gain is on track or you're noticing other symptoms during pregnancy, don't guess—get clarity. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you understand what your body may be telling you and guide your next steps. It takes just a few minutes, requires no sign-up, and could help you have a more informed conversation with your doctor.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn if pregnancy weight gain is normal Discover causes of your pregnancy weight gain Find out if your gain needs care See OTC options for pregnancy discomfort relief Find a doctor for pregnancy concerns Understand safe home remedies for pregnancy Check if weight gain signals complications

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Explanation

Weight gain during pregnancy is important for a healthy baby and mom. The amount of weight you should gain depends on your body mass index (BMI) before you got pregnant.

Normal BMI (18.5 - 24.9): Gain about 25 to 35 pounds.
Underweight BMI (less than 18.5): Gain about 28 to 40 pounds.
Overweight BMI (25 - 29.9): Gain about 15 to 25 pounds.
Obese BMI (30 or more): Gain about 11 to 20 pounds.

These guidelines help ensure the baby grows well and helps avoid complications. It's important to talk to your doctor about what's best for you, as every pregnancy is unique. If you're experiencing any concerning symptoms during your pregnancy, you can use Ubie's free AI symptom checker to help understand what might be going on and when to seek medical care.

(References)

Rasmussen KM, Catalano PM, & Yaktine AL. (2009). New guidelines for weight gain during pregnancy. Current opinion in obstetrics & gynecology, 19809317.
Dalfra' MG, Burlina S, & Lapolla A. (2022). Weight gain during pregnancy: A narrative review on the .... Diabetes research and clinical practice, 35568262.
Romano M, Lacaria E, Battini L, Aragona M, Bianchi C, Penno G, et al. (2015). How much weight are women gaining during pregnancy? .... Gynecological endocrinology : the official journal of the International Society of Gynecological Endocrinology, 26291809.

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