Pregnancy is a painstaking process. Due to the changes in hormones, some women gain appetite and feel bottomless hunger all the time while pregnant; others suffer from nausea and vomiting and experience appetite loss in contrary. Meanwhile, some pregnant women believe they can temporarily enjoy food and eat whatever they want, which could lead to a continuing increase in weight. This eating behavior could not only cause abnormal blood sugar, obesity during pregnancy may also cause other complications. Besides, it would make your weight back to original slim figure more difficult after delivery.

As for how much weight gain is considered normal during pregnancy? According to the recommendations from the National Health Administration of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, during pregnancy, the weight of pregnant women should be adjusted appropriately according to their pre-pregnancy weight. A healthy range of weight gain is between 10-14 kg; and please pay attention to the rate of weight gain. In addition, it is not suitable to think of weight loss during pregnancy. Moms-to-be can use the following charts as reference :

BMI Before Pregnancy * Suggested Weight Gain (lb) Weight Gain Per Week during The Second and Third Trimester of Pregnancy : kg/week (lb/week)
＜18.5 12.5 – 18 (28 – 40) 0.5 – 0.6（1 – 1.3）
18.5 – 24.9 11.5 – 16 (25 – 35) 0.4 – 0.5 (0.8 – 1)
25.0 – 29.9 7 – 11.5 (15 – 25) 0.2 – 0.3 (0.5 – 0.7)
≥ 30.0 5 – 9 (11 – 20) 0.2 – 0.3 (0.4 – 0.6)

*Metric Units: BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height2 (m).  US Units: BMI = (weight (lb) ÷ height 2 (in)) * 703.  Source : The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, ACOG

Expected Number of Births Suggested Weight Gain (lb) Weight Gain Per Week After 12 Weeks of Pregnancy : kg/week (lb/week)
Twins Weight 15.9 – 20.4（34 – 45） 0.7
Triplets Total Weight 22.7（50）  

Source : American Dietetic Association, ADA

In terms of daily calories and the calorie intake during pregnancy, based on the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) recommendations, from the second trimester, 300 calories should be added from the daily diet. However, the total calories per person per day should be adjusted according to the age, activity level, health status and weight gain of the pregnant woman.


As for the calorie needs during lactation, it is recommended to increase 500 kcal per day. If you have any need or concern regarding diet during pregnancy, it is recommended to consult a dietitian, who is specialized in obstetrics and gynecology, for dietary advice.