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Pregnancy Weight Gain Calculator

Get IOM-recommended weight gain targets based on your BMI and week of pregnancy.

Last updated: June 13, 2026

Calculator

lbs
inches

Results

Recommended Total Gain25–35 lbs

Single pregnancy

Pre-Pregnancy BMI23.3

Normal Weight

Expected Gain by Now~12.1 lbs

At week 20

Weekly Rate (2nd/3rd Tri)~1.07 lbs/week
Target Weight at Delivery165–175 lbs

How to Use This Calculator

  1. 1Enter your pre-pregnancy weight in pounds.
  2. 2Enter your height in inches.
  3. 3Enter your current week of pregnancy.
  4. 4Select single or twin pregnancy.
  5. 5View recommended total gain, expected gain by now, and target delivery weight.

Formula Explanation

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) provides weight gain recommendations based on pre-pregnancy BMI. Underweight women should gain more, while overweight or obese women should gain less. Weight gain is minimal in the first trimester and accelerates in the second and third trimesters.

BMI = (Weight ÷ Height²) × 703 Recommended Gain: Underweight (28-40 lbs), Normal (25-35 lbs), Overweight (15-25 lbs), Obese (11-20 lbs)

Variables:

Pre-Pregnancy BMIBody Mass Index calculated from height and weight
Recommended GainTotal pounds to gain during pregnancy
Weekly RateAverage pounds per week in 2nd/3rd trimester

Worked Examples

140 lbs, 5'5" (65"), week 20, single

  1. 1. BMI = (140 ÷ 65²) × 703 = 23.3 (Normal)
  2. 2. Recommended: 25-35 lbs total
  3. 3. Expected by week 20: ~9.4 lbs
  4. 4. Target delivery weight: 165-175 lbs
Result: Normal BMI — gain 25-35 lbs, ~9.4 lbs by now

180 lbs, 5'4" (64"), week 30, single

  1. 1. BMI = (180 ÷ 64²) × 703 = 30.9 (Obese)
  2. 2. Recommended: 11-20 lbs total
Result: Recommended gain: 11-20 lbs total, target 191-200 lbs

Why Use This Calculator

  • Personalized recommendations based on your BMI category.
  • Shows expected weight gain for your current week.
  • Includes twin pregnancy guidelines.
  • Based on official IOM clinical guidelines.
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Tips & Best Practices

  • Weight gain is not linear — expect little gain in the first 12 weeks, then steady increase.
  • Do not try to "diet" during pregnancy. Focus on nutrient-dense foods.
  • Gaining too little can be just as harmful as gaining too much.
  • Discuss your individual plan with your provider — these are general guidelines.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Comparing your weight gain to other pregnant women.

Recommendations vary significantly by BMI category. A normal-weight woman gains 25-35 lbs while an overweight woman should gain 15-25 lbs.

Trying to restrict calories to limit weight gain.

Never restrict calories during pregnancy without medical supervision. Focus on nutrition quality, not calorie restriction.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much weight should I gain during pregnancy?
It depends on your pre-pregnancy BMI: Underweight: 28-40 lbs, Normal weight: 25-35 lbs, Overweight: 15-25 lbs, Obese: 11-20 lbs. For twins, expect 35-45 lbs for normal weight women.
When does pregnancy weight gain start?
Most women gain 1-5 lbs in the first trimester. The majority of weight gain occurs in the second and third trimesters at about 1 lb per week for normal-weight women.
Is it normal to lose weight in the first trimester?
Yes, mild weight loss in the first trimester from nausea and food aversions is common and usually not concerning. Discuss any significant weight loss with your provider.
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Disclaimer: This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be used as a substitute for professional advice. RediCalc.com makes no guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of any calculations. Always consult a qualified professional before making financial, health, construction, or other important decisions.

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