How to track pregnancy weight gain week by week
Short answer: weigh yourself once a week, at the same time of day, on the same scale, in similar clothes, and write it down with the date. Look at the line over several weeks, not at one day. How much gain is right for you depends on your weight before pregnancy, so your midwife or doctor is the one to set that range.
A simple weekly routine
- Pick one day of the week, for example every Monday.
- Weigh first thing in the morning, after using the bathroom and before eating.
- Use the same scale on a hard, flat floor. Different scales can disagree by a kilo or more.
- Log the number right away, with the date and your week of pregnancy.
Why one day's number can mislead you
Body weight can move by 1 to 2 kg (2 to 4 lb) within a day from water, salt, meals and constipation, and pregnancy adds swelling and changes in fluid. A single high reading is usually noise. A steady direction over several weeks is the signal worth discussing at your appointments.
Who decides your target range
Many care providers use the 2009 guidelines from the US Institute of Medicine (now the National Academies), which give a different recommended range for each pre-pregnancy BMI group and for twins. Some countries use their own guidance. Rather than comparing yourself with a chart online, bring your log to your appointment and ask which range applies to you.
When to call instead of waiting
Contact your provider promptly if you notice a sudden gain together with swelling of the face or hands, a bad headache, or changes in vision, or if you are losing weight because you can't keep food down.
Doing this with Bumplog
In Bumplog you type your weight in kg or lb and save once. It draws a line chart over the weeks and shows the change since your first entry. Bumplog shows no target ranges and no verdicts, only your own numbers, so you can show the chart to your midwife or doctor. Records stay on your phone with no account.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Bumplog is a personal log and does not diagnose anything. If you notice fewer movements than usual or anything else worries you, contact your midwife, doctor or maternity unit right away, day or night.
FAQ
How often should I weigh myself during pregnancy?
Once a week is a common, low-stress routine. Daily numbers swing with water, salt and meals, so a weekly entry shows the trend more clearly.
How much weight should I gain?
It depends on your weight before pregnancy and whether you are carrying more than one baby. Guidelines from the US Institute of Medicine (2009), which many providers use, give different ranges by pre-pregnancy BMI. Ask your midwife or doctor which range applies to you.
My weight jumped suddenly. What should I do?
A sudden jump, especially with swelling of the face or hands, headache or changes in vision, is a reason to contact your provider promptly. Do not wait for your next appointment.