How much weight gain in pregnancy is normal? The answer is it's individual and unique for each woman. Excessive weight gain can pose problems in pregnancy and is not typically recommended but in general there are several factors that contribute to what is normal and what is an acceptable amount.

There have been several guidelines outlining the appropriate levels of weight gain in pregnancy and they can vary.

Generally physiologically weight gain is as follows

• Fetus – 7 to 8 lb (3.2 to 3.6 kg)
• Fat stores – 6 to 8 lb (2.7 to 3.6 kg)
• Increased blood volume – 3 to 4 lb (1.4 to 1.8 kg)
• Increased extravascular fluid volume – 2 to 3 lb (0.9 to 1.4 kg)
• Amniotic fluid – 2 lb (0.9 kg)
• Breast enlargement – 1 to 3 lb (0.45 to 1.4 kg)
• Uterine hypertrophy – 2 lb (0.9 kg)
• Placenta – 1.5 lb (0.7 kg)

Weight loss can also happen and can even be considered normal in the beginning of pregnancy. In this episode, pregnancy (gestational) weight gain is meant to be a personal and individual discussion with a woman an her provider.

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