Weight gain is an expected part of any pregnancy. A woman's pre-pregnancy weight determines the amount of weight she is expected to gain. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that women who are underweight should gain between 28 to 40 pounds. Women of a normal, healthy weight should gain 25 to 35 pounds. Overweight women should gain less, between 15 to 25 pounds. A woman carrying twins may gain 35 to 45 pounds. There are several elements which contribute to a pregnant woman's weight gain, aside from the food that she eats.
Baby
The average weight of a full-term newborn baby is 7 to 8 pounds. This amount may be more or less depending on the actual weight of the baby at birth. Women who are carrying multiples will have more weight accounted for in their total amount gained due to the extra weight of multiple babies.
Placenta
The placenta is the organ which provides nutrients to the baby, filters the baby's blood and also provides the link between mother and baby. The weight of the placenta is included in the mother's total weight gain and totals 1 to 2 pounds, as noted by the American Pregnancy Association.
Breasts
Hormonal changes and the body's preparation to breast-feed cause the breasts to enlarge. The increased weight of the breasts is often overlooked by women, but it can be significant. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, also known as the ACOG, notes that breasts may increase as much as 2 pounds on average.
Uterus
As the pregnancy progresses, the uterus grows to accommodate the growing baby, placenta and amniotic fluid. According to MayoClinic.com, the weight of the uterus itself can be as much as 2 pounds.
Amniotic Fluid
The American Pregnancy Association notes that amniotic fluid can also account for 2 pounds of a pregnant woman's total weight gain. Amniotic fluid allows the baby to move and develop freely, while protecting and cushioning the baby.
Blood
Blood volume expands during pregnancy to accommodate the growing baby and the changes that occur within the woman's body. Extra blood volume can amount to as much as 4 pounds, says the ACOG.
Other Fluids
During pregnancy, it is normal for pregnant women to experience mild swelling of their feet and legs due to the weight of the baby putting pressure on blood vessels. As much as 4 pounds can be accounted for in extra fluids retained during pregnancy.
Fat Stores
The final amount of weight gained during pregnancy is maternal fat stores. MayoClinic.com notes that this additional amount of fat averages 6 to 8 pounds. This weight contributes to the healthy growth and physical development of the baby.
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