Examples of Weight Gain Aims In Pregnancy

The following are the weight gain recommendations for four women with different BMIs all at twelve weeks pregnant:

Sarah’s pre-pregnancy weight was 50 kg and her height is 166 cm. She has gained 3.0 kg during the first trimester

• • Sarah’s pre-pregnancy BMI = 50 / 1.66² = 18.1 kg/m². Her BMI is less than 18.5 so she is classified as underweight.
  • She should aim to gain between 12.5-18.0 kg during her pregnancy.
  • She has already gained 3 kg in her first trimester. She should therefore gain between 9.0 and 15 kg over the next two trimesters.

Samantha’s pre-pregnancy weight was 69 kg and her height is 170 cm. She has gained 1.5 kg during the first trimester

• • Samantha’s pre-pregnancy BMI = 69 / 1.7² = 23.9 kg/m². Her BMI is between 18.5 & 24.9 so she is classified as normal weight.
  • She should aim to gain between 11.5-16.0 kg during her pregnancy.
  • She has gained 1.5 kg in her first trimester which is within the average 0.5-2.0 kg. She is on track and should continue to gain an average 0.5kg per week. This may fluctuate a little from week to week but her additional weight gain should be 10.0 – 14.5 kg over the next two trimesters.

Lucy’s pre-pregnancy weight was 75 kg and her height is 169 cm. She has gained 4 kg during the first trimester

• • Lucy’s pre-pregnancy BMI = 75 / 1.69² = 26.3 kg/m². Her BMI is between 25.0 & 29.9 so she is classified as overweight.
  • She should aim to gain between 7.0-11.5 kg during her pregnancy.
  • She has already gained 4 kg in her first trimester which is more than the average 0.5-2.0 kg. She should therefore be careful with her weight gain from now on and gain an average of 0.30kg per week and between 3.0 and 7.5 kg over the next two trimesters.

Daniella’s pre-pregnancy weight was 89 kg and her height is 168 cm. She has gained 0.5 kg since becoming pregnant

• • Daniella’s pre-pregnancy BMI = 89 / 1.68² = 31.5 kg/m². Her BMI is over 30.0 so she is classified as obese.
  • She should aim to gain between 5.0-9.0 kg during her pregnancy.
  • She has already gained 0.5 kg in her first trimester which is within the average 0.5-2.0 kg. She is on track however should try to keep her total weight gain to 5.0 or 6.0 kg as it will be healthier for her and her baby. She should gain no more than an average 0.2kg per week and 4.5 – 5.5 kg over the next two trimesters.

Other Useful Links

BLOOM Program at King Edward Memorial Hospital

BLOOM stands for: Better Lifestyle and Obstetric Outcomes for Mothers. It is a series of information and support booklets to help overweight women have a successful, healthy pregnancy. BLOOM information can be accessed at any stage in pregnancy, but the earlier the better!

To download each of the four bloom packs click here (external link).

>> Gestational Diabetes >>

Go to the Ngala Healthy You Healthy Baby App
Track your health and wellbeing during pregnancy and the early stages of your child's life as well as receive tips on how to improve or maintain your health. 

Further Information

• • Nutrition
  • Activity
  • Weight
  • Emotions
  • Social life
  • Sleep

Parenting Workshops

• • Building Brains
  • You and Your New Baby
  • Skilled Dads

Ngala Books & DVDs

• • Secrets of Good Sleepers Book
  • Secrets of Good Eaters Book
  • Building Brains for Young Children 0-3 Years DVD

For families of babies and young children who reside or work in W.A.,
if you need further assistance contact the Ngala Helpline
Telephone 9368 9368 or Country Access 1800 111 546
8am to 8pm 7 days a week or

or get support online via the My Ngala Forums

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