Recommended Weight Gain

• The American Pregnancy Association recommends a weight gain of 25 to 37 pounds for normal weight women. If the woman is overweight, she should gain 15 to 25 pounds. For underweight women, a weight gain of 25 to 40 pounds is recommended.
  
  

Weight Gain by Trimester

• Weight gain in the first trimester should be the least of all trimesters with a maximum of six pounds. In the second and third trimesters, weight gain of one to two pounds per week is recommended with overweight women staying in the one-pound range.
  
  

Healthy Diet

• Pregnant women should strive to eat from all food groups while steering away from fatty foods and sugar. Making the switch to healthy foods may result in weight loss. It is important to the growth and health of the fetus not to lose weight during pregnancy. A healthy plan can be designed by a nutritionist to result in the recommended weight gain.
  
  

Caloric Intake

• According to Ohio State University, a pregnant woman needs an additional 300 calories per day beginning in the second trimester. This increased caloric intake is in addition to what was needed previously to maintain her weight level.
  
  

Considerations for Multiples

• For women pregnant with twins, the American Pregnancy Association recommends a weight gain of 35 to 45 pounds. It is important to consult with the doctor for weight gain and nutrition recommendations in pregnancies of triplets or more.