A normal weight gain of 25 -35 pounds (28 to 40 pounds for women considered underweight, only 15 to 25 pounds for those overweight), over a nine-month pregnancy is expected.
Where does it all go?
Location
Average Weight
(in pounds)
Fetus
7.5
Placenta
1.5
Amniotic Fluid
2.0
Uterus
2.0
Breasts
1.0
Blood
3.0
Water
3.5
Fat
7.5
Research has found women tend to retain the weight they have gained during pregnancy when most of that weight gain was experienced during the first trimester.
On average, a woman should only gain about three to six pounds in the first trimester (12 weeks). After that a gain of one pound per week is recommended, or about 24 pounds.
Now, how long does it take to lose the weight gained during a normal pregnancy? At birth a woman will lose on average 10 1/2 pounds. This weight is represented by the new baby, placenta, and amniotic fluid. During the first three to six weeks postpartum, weight gained in the uterus, blood, and extra water stores will diminish. Weight gained in the breasts and as body fat will diminish during the same postpartum time depending on whether or not you breastfeed.
The key to pregnancy weight gain is remembering that increasing calories requires careful thought to the source of those calories. Healthy foods equals healthy weight, the kind of weight which comes off more efficiently after baby greets the world.