During pregnancy, what is the recommended weight gain for an overweight woman?

• A. 15-25
• B. 0
• C. 5-10
• D. 28-40

Answer: (A)

Pre-pregnancy BMI guides how much weight gain is healthiest during pregnancy. For someone who starts overweight, the recommended total gain is about 15–25 pounds. This range supports the developing fetus and the physiological changes in the mother while keeping the risk of complications low. Gaining within this limit helps reduce chances of gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders, and excessive maternal fat gain, and it also supports healthier postpartum weight. In practice, the first trimester gain tends to be modest, with most weight gained in the second and third trimesters as the fetus grows. Different BMI categories have different targets, with higher ranges for underweight and lower ranges for obesity.