Healthy Living
Healthy Weight Gain
Weight Gain in the 2nd Trimester
A healthy weight gain during pregnancy is usually between 5 to 18 kilograms (11 to 40 pounds). This weight gain is for women who had a normal weight before they became pregnant. For women carrying twins, weight gain is usually between 11 to 25 kilograms (25 to 54 pounds). This weight gain is recommended for women with a normal weight before they became pregnant.
To find out if you had a normal weight before you became pregnant, click here.
Women who have a BMI under 18.5 will need to gain more and women with a BMI over 25 will need to gain less to have a healthy pregnancy. For more information about weight gain, click here.
Weight gain should be steady and gradual in the second trimester. The average weight gain is around 0.2 to 0.5 kilograms/week or 0.5‑1.0 pound/week. If you are gaining more, see the guidelines in Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide and compare your eating habits.
Weight loss and dieting is not recommended in pregnancy. Focus on healthy eating and healthy foods, not your weight. Talk with your health care provider or registered dietitian for further information, or call 8‑1‑1 to speak to Dietitian Services at HealthLink BC.
To use the Healthy Weight Gain calculator, click here !
