The guidelines lower the weight gain recommendations for obese women during pregnancy. (CBC)

Health Canada is formally replacing its guidelines on weight gain during pregnancy to match new U.S. recommendations.

The latest recommendations, released Thursday, include a suggested rate of weight gain during pregnancy, as well as on total weight gain, and a lower amount for obese women.

The new guidelines include:

• Women with a body mass index or BMI of less than 18.5 prior to pregnancy, which is considered underweight: recommended range of total weight gain between 28 and 40 pounds (12.5 and 18 kilograms).
• Women in the normal weight category with a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9: recommended range of total weight gain from 25 to 35 pounds (11.5 to 16 kg).
• For overweight women with a pre-pregnancy BMI between 25 and 29.9: total weight gain between 15 and 25 pounds (seven to 11.5 kg) recommended.
• Obese women with a pre-pregnancy BMI of greater than 30: advised to gain no more than 11 to 20 pounds (five to nine kg) during pregnancy.

Health Canada said it decided to adopt the recommendations of the U.S. Institute of Medicine, an independent organization that advises the U.S. government on health, after consulting with an external expert advisory group.

As part of the package, the department is also developing a background document, quick reference tool and weight gain tracker for health professionals to use when implementing the revised guidelines.

For pregnant women, Health Canada is also developing an interactive web-based tool to help them track their weight gain before childbirth.

Canadians are encouraged to provide feedback on the draft materials by Jan. 8, 2010.

The final materials for health professionals and pregnant women will be available next spring.