What Weight is Healthy to Gain during Pregnancy?

Facts

• • Eating a healthy diet and keeping active will help you to maintain a healthy weight gain during pregnancy. See the nutrition and activity sections.
  • The amount of weight that is healthy to gain during pregnancy is entirely dependent on your pre-pregnancy weight for your height which is an indicator of your body fat content. This is measured as your Body Mass Index (BMI) and calculated by dividing your weight (kg) by your height (m) squared. 
  • Women with a higher BMI and body fat content at the start of pregnancy need not gain as much weight during pregnancy as women with a lower BMI – because they already have the adipose reserves required to support pregnancy and lactation.

Tips

• • Weight gain in pregnancy can be affected by factors other than diet and activity, including some medical conditions, medications and fluid retention. If you are concerned, see your doctor.
  • If you are overweight or obese, the King Edward BLOOM programme (external link) provides useful information and guidance about how to keep healthy during your pregnancy.

  • To find out how much weight is healthiest for you to gain, use our pregnancy weight gain calculator.

>>Pregnancy Weight Gain Calculator>>

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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