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All women are different in the amount of weight they gain during pregnancy. However, there are some guidelines established by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology that will help you understand the average weight gain and where the weight goes.
Women who are underweight before pregnancy, taller than average, African American women and teenagers may tend to gain more. Women who were overweight before pregnancy may tend to gain less. Women who are pregnant with twins or more may gain twice as much as a singleton pregnancy.
The chart below shows the average weight gain for a woman who was of "normal" weight for her height before pregnancy. The average amount of weight gain for this woman is between 25 and 35 pounds.
| Item | Weight Gain |
|---|---|
| Amniotic Fluid | 2 lbs. |
| Baby | 7-8 lbs. |
| Blood Volume Increase | 3 lbs. |
| Placenta | 1-2 lbs. |
| Body Fat | 5 lbs. or more |
| Breasts | 1 lb. |
| Muscle Tissue and Fluid Increase | 4-7 lbs. |
| Uterus | 2 lbs. |
| Total | At least 25 lbs. |
Source: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
