Recommended Weekly Weight Gain During Second and Third Trimesters

Weight Gain Recommendations by Pre-Pregnancy BMI

Normal-weight women should gain 0.5-0.9 kg per week during the second and third trimesters, with a total pregnancy weight gain of 1.4-2.3 kg in the first trimester, followed by this weekly rate for the remainder of pregnancy 1, 2
Underweight women should gain 0.5-0.9 kg per week during the second and third trimesters, with a total pregnancy weight gain of up to 18 kg, and a first trimester target of 1.4-2.3 kg 1, 2
Overweight women should gain at less than 50% of the rate recommended for normal-weight women, approximately 0.25-0.45 kg per week during the second and third trimesters 2
Obese women should gain minimally during the second and third trimesters, with a total pregnancy weight gain limited to 5.0-9.1 kg, and one guideline suggests a relatively small total gain of 7 kg 1, 2

To support appropriate weight gain during the second and third trimesters, add 300 kcal/day to baseline energy needs, with no additional calories needed in the first trimester unless the woman has depleted body reserves 1, 3
Protein intake should be 0.75 g/kg/day plus an additional 10 g/day 1, 3
Iron supplementation of 30 mg/day is recommended during the second and third trimesters 1, 2

Excessive weight gain is common, particularly in overweight and obese women, and is associated with gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, macrosomia, increased cesarean delivery risk, and postpartum weight retention 4
Insufficient weight gain affects approximately 20% of pregnant women and increases risks of preterm birth and difficulties establishing breastfeeding 2
Avoid hypocaloric diets below 1,200 calories per day as they result in ketonemia and ketonuria, and weight management should focus on appropriate caloric intake and balanced nutrition rather than restriction 1, 3