Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. The basics of prenatal care are the same for everyone, regardless of size. You'll get what you need to have a healthy baby. But your size can make a difference in a few things. You and your doctor will have to watch your pregnancy weight. Your weight may affect your labor and delivery. You may have some extra doctor visits and tests. And you may have some tests earlier in your pregnancy. You'll need to pay close attention to things like blood pressure and the chance of getting gestational diabetes. (This is a type of diabetes that sometimes happens during pregnancy.) And close attention will be given to your developing baby. Work with your doctor to get the care you need. Go to all your doctor visits, and follow your doctor's advice about what to do and what to avoid during pregnancy. If you are very overweight (obese), experts recommend that you gain between 11 and 20 pounds.footnote 1 Your doctor will work with you to set a weight goal that's right for you. In some cases, your doctor may recommend that you not gain any weight. If you are very overweight (obese) during pregnancy, you have greater risks for: Although you may joke that you're "eating for two" during pregnancy, you don't need to eat twice as much food. How much you can eat depends on: In the first trimester, you'll probably need the same amount of calories as you did before you were pregnant. In general, in your second trimester, you need to eat about 340 extra calories a day.footnote 2 In your third trimester, you need to eat about 450 extra calories a day. The best things you can do for you and your baby are to eat healthy foods, get regular exercise, avoid alcohol and smoking, and go to your doctor visits. Current as of: July 10, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Current as of: July 10, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review Board This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org. © 1995-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.Topic Contents
Obesity and Pregnancy
Overview
How does your weight affect your pregnancy?
How much weight gain is healthy during pregnancy?
What problems can happen?
How much extra food do you need to eat?
What can you do to have a healthy pregnancy?
Related Information
References
Citations
Credits
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Current as of: July 10, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review BoardObesity and Pregnancy
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.