Pregnancy and Weight Gain
During pregnancy, your body goes through lots of changes to support your baby’s development. Gaining weight is a natural, normal, and healthy part of pregnancy.
Gaining a healthy amount of weight:
- Helps your baby grow and develop.
- Helps lower the risk of health issues for both you and your baby.
- Helps your body make breastmilk.
How much weight should I gain?
The amount of weight gain that is right for you depends on your weight before you became pregnant. Weight gain is usually slow during your first trimester, with most weight gain happening during your second and third trimesters.
Talk to your health-care provider to discuss the recommended amount of weight you should gain during your pregnancy.
Eating well and being active can help you gain the amount of weight that is right for you and your growing baby.
Visit Nutrition During Pregnancy for information about nutrition during your pregnancy. Here are a few tips:
- Use Canada’s Food Guide to plan meals and snacks. Try to eat a variety of vegetables and fruits, whole grain foods and protein foods.
- Eat a little more food each day, by adding an extra snack or having a bit more food at one of your meals.
If you have questions, you can also contact 811 Dial-a-Dietitian to speak with a registered dietitian.
Check out Physical Activity During Pregnancy for information about being active throughout your pregnancy. Here are a few tips:
- Try to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week.
- Try to be active at least three days a week.
- Check with your health-care provider if you have questions about being active while pregnant, including medical reasons that may make it unsafe.
Struggling to access food?
There are programs that may be able to help:
- Prenatal-Early Childhood Nutrition Supplement
Monthly financial benefit for eligible pregnant people or families with children under the age of one. - Healthy Baby Club
Prenatal nutrition and support program offered through Family Resource Centres. - 211 Newfoundland and Labrador
A listing of community, government and social service programs and resources available.
For information about eating well for less, check out Healthy Eating for Less.