When your doctor tells you she doesn't want you to get fat....

lolad5

I saw my doctor yesterday and she said I had gained too much weight for the month. I gained 6 pounds and she said gaining 4 was normal. As a little bit of a background, I'm a petite person. Five feet tall, started out this pregnancy at a healthy 110. She then told me to go on a no carb diet. It's killing me already. Any tips or yummy snacks you ladies have to make this more tolerable?

nursekatie47

What, no carbs? That ridiculous and not good. You should be eating healthy carbs for sure. 6 lbs in a month is not bad.

ginaannechelan

Mine told me to cut back on carbs, but let's be honest, bread is one of those things that is always good even if you're feeling lousy.

I'm definitely had more bread than usual since getting pregnant. Paleo 80% of the time was a staple, but most of that went out the window with all day nausea.

While I'm watching the carbs, I'm letting them happen!

beansideirae

seems like an overreaction to me, 6 lbs is not that big a deal! I would personally ignore her and eat what you're comfortable with.

lolad5

I think why she wants me to keep my weight down is because my family has a history multiple c-sections. She told me my body can only carry a 5 to 6 pound baby with the success of a natural delivery. I want to try everything I can to have a baby naturally but having to watch and be careful with what I eat and be obsessed with the scale is more stress I don't want. (

Mousemama

That is so much stress you don't need right now. I'm so mad at your doctor for telling you to diet!

KH7337

You're body knows how much you need to gain to support a healthy baby. For all anyone knows part of that could have been water weight that will go down. Limiting your carbs could make you pass out or make you too dizzy depending on if you are someone who needs healthy carbs in their diet to function well. You're baby doesn't need you to be stressed out either. I'm sorry that your doctor is stressing you out about this. With my son, I gained 30lbs and he was a 6.6 lbs. And I did not limit anything, ate healthy. I'm not saying that is what your body will do, but you started out at a healthy weight. Do what you think is best, you know your body and you will know what your baby needs. 

lovesgummies

Honestly, your doctor sounds crazy. I can't imagine you "can only carry" a certain weight baby...and even so your weight gain doesn't dictate the baby's size. So, yeah. Make sure you're eating healthy foods but don't worry about an "extra" 2 pounds!

WDDCH

Small women can birth big babies. It's actually rare to have a small pelvis (which needs to be diagnosed with more than just a pelvic exam, plus it rotates and stretches the further along you get so a diagnosis could change).

I am not a particular fan of doctors wanting 5-6lb babies at birth and tell you to not eat, or to count calories, etc. Obviously workout to stay fit and strong and eat healthfully. But don't limit your weight to the point your baby is forced to be underweight as well.

I'm sorry but I'd be looking for another doctor or midwife. It's not like you're a 200-lb momma who has to ACTUALLY watch carbs (like me). I don't even have to eliminate carbs, just portion control and eat the right kinds of carbs.

You shouldn't be worrying about this and stressed. If you're eating healthy THAT is what matters.

Boobopgirl

Find a new doc. Seriously.  I'm not about doctor shopping but that's ridiculous.  6  lb in a month isn't much if you were petite to begin with and the 5-6lb baby thing is probably not necessarily true either.  Is she basing that off of your family history or your size before you were pregnant or what?  Did she tell you what she's basing it on?

I would even say to try to find one who has dealt with women in your particular situation with your family history etc and who is skilled in pregnancy nutrition and will help you make a plan rather than just saying "no carbs."  Did she give you any more than that?  Like "this many calories, this much protein etc."  Or just: No carbs.  Because telling you what NOT to eat is not nearly as helpful as telling you what's GOOD to eat.

At the very least, I'd go in next time asking a LOT of questions and maybe ask for a referral to a nutritionist.

WDDCH

PS - healthy foods are veggies, fruits, wholesome yogurt, cottage cheese, brown rice, lean turkey or buffalo or chicken.

I had hummus earlier today, yum! All sorts of flavors out there or make your own. I live near a middle eastern restaurant/store so that's going to be second best to homemade.

Popcorn is a complex carbs, doughnuts are not.

Nuts and beans!

barrelocarol

I am having a hard time justifying what your doctor told you. Like I can't see any rationale explanation for the 5-6lb baby or the 4vs6lb debate.

I love my doctor and would do whatever she says so I get the attachment. But this is just a grain of salt thing here.

There was a study put out by Duke (I think?? Can't remember) about the enormous fallacy of the "small pelvis" and the rate of c-sections.

It's a buzz phrase doctors use. The pelvis simply can't be measured until delivery as it changes so much.

I am just astonished at your doctor's response!

piscesmommy222

doctors do NOT know everything.they are flawed human beings like anyone else.common sense says this doctor is CRAZY. I could not trust my health and my baby's with that doctor. I hope you find a new one quickly.this simply does not sound right.

tattoosnpearls30

abdso said:

Tell your "doctor" to take a long walk off a short bridge.  If you are really concerned meet with a prenatal nutritionist. I am appalled that your doctor was on you about 6 pounds....maybe 10.  All people Including pregnant people go up and down by a pound or two.  I actually started declining the weigh ins at the OBS office and raised hell.  I am tired of their one size fits all medical treatment. 

Ha ha I love this post.

babyplut

With both my previous pregancies I gained 60lbs. I am 5'4 and ended at each 180lbs. My first was 8lbs and second 9lbs. Both were healthy and so was I. But you should still be able to eat what you want just in moderation. Not cutting carbs out completely. Sorry she said this I find it very unprofessional to bring it up like that.

shaunnar053

What @WDDCH said!!

lolad5

What makes me not understand what she said either.... She has never had a child herself. So she personally isn't familiar with the cravings and everything. That made me laugh right there. I'm moving to Texas this summer so I'll be finding a new doctor anyways! Yay for that! Hopefully this doctor will be a bit more lenient with things and definitely understanding.

HWKI

A baby born at under 5lbs 8oz is considered "low birth weight" which is not healthy for the baby. I really don't understand why a doctor would want your baby to only weigh 5-6 lbs. your doctor should also be respectful to you. Body changes are hard enough. If I were you I would not wait until summer find a new doctor.

Mufflerlove

I don't know about that. My family also has all had to have csections because of their pelvises being too small and then I have birth to a 9.5 pounder lol.

I don't agree with your doctor at all. Definate overreaction especially considering your starting weight.

J0C0TX

@lolad5 - where in Texas? If DFW I can recommend someone great

As for the weight gain... That sounds excessive. Cut back maybe but cut out... No. I'd starve if I was off carbs. The only thing I'm able to keep down right now are Rice Krispies...

ktbkitten

I have only gained 1.5 pounds so far, but I was a little overweight before I got pregnant. When I saw my OB at my last appointment I asked him about my lack of weight gain and still having little to no appetite. He told me that low weight gain could cause low birth weight and we didn't want that, but he isn't worried about my weight unless I am not gaining further along in my pregnancy. I think it's crazy that a doctor would recommend a lower birth weight for a baby. We want them big and chubby! And carbs don't need to be a staple in your diet if you feel cutting back on them would be beneficial. Before baby I ate paleo most of the time and felt great. Now I can't eat meat...so that hasn't worked. Just eat healthy and balanced. Your body knows what it needs. 

conchispitita

Um, all I eat is carbs. I almost flipped when my doctor told me to eat oatmeal for breakfast, I'd die if I couldn't eat any carbs!

My sister also gained more than 4lb after the first tri. She was bummed, but it motivated her to watch portion control and to start working out, which made her feel better and regulated her weight gain for the rest of the pregnancy.

I wouldn't cut carbs out, us pregnant ladies crave them for a reason!

MiromiM

What happened to having a balanced diet, exercising, and drinking water? I would strive for complex carbs, high fiber foods (whole grains, fresh fruits and veggies), and protein. 

barrelocarol

@abdso Agreed!!

brittanylanc

I am 5'1" but bigger boned I started my first 2 pregnancies at 130 and gained 60lbs both rounds which is not great. Both of my little ones weighed 6lbs and 6lbs 3oz. I wouldn't let her worry you with gaining weight and causing baby to be big too.

lolad5

I'm trying not to let it bother me. I just don't like being told what to do like I have a problem. I'm still wearing all of my clothes so I'm a bit baffled. I respect her looking out for me. That's nice and all. But you best believe I'm cheating tonight at dinner! Lol. And after doing this diet for a few days I think I damn well deserve it! @joco I'm moving to Austin. I may have to have the baby at the Army base due to our health insurance but I'm hoping I can just do everything civilian.

str13

I'd die without carbs! I developed an eating disorder with DD2. It was awful. She still weighed 8lb2oz. Baby will get whatever they need, and it's our bodies that will suffer!!
I'd find someone else or start ignoring the docs weight gain advice!! Lol

lolad5

@str13 I talked to my mom about what the doc told me. She told me that it's not a matter of my weight it's the fact that my sisters and moms hips and pelvis don't spread apart enough to have babies. I know that we are all different but I'm not going to beat myself up about it. I do feel good eliminating the carbs but I will still indulge in some frozen yogurt or a sandwich when I want one.

Boobopgirl

I feel like what your doc said might leave you feeling guilty if you can't have your baby naturally.  Please don't.  I was afraid that you would feel like you couldn't eat or your baby would get too big and end up compromising your baby's health by accident.  Wanting a natural birth is something many women desire, but I'd rather (and I hope your doctor would rather) you eat healthfully and have a c-section, than cut out a bunch of foods and end up with a growth restricted baby who ends up in NICU for being too small.  It's not entirely true that baby gets what they need first and you get depleted.  Eating poorly can affect the growth of the placenta and blood vessels in the umbilical cord and ultimately baby's growth and also baby's stores of some important nutrients at birth (most notable being iron).  I WOULD still ask to see a nutritionist to make sure you're getting everything you need if you maintain a low carb/low grain diet.  You can end up missing out on important nutrients if you're not careful to replace them with the right foods.  

adtaylor2015

I can't believe a doctor would tell a pregnant woman to eliminate carbs. If you go really low carb or eliminate them it can lead to ketosis which is not pleasant from what I've read/heard. I would find a new doctor ASAP. That does not sound like good, safe advice.

kjs08

Having a family history of C-sections doesn't necessarily mean anything. My mom had to have c-sections for both me and my sister because she had narrow hips, but my sister had 2 vaginal births. She's 3 inches taller than me, but I have the wider hips. Both her girls were just under 7 pounds and with her first pregnancy gained 75 pounds. 

If carbs are what you're body's craving, try eating complex carbs (whole wheat/grain, brown rice, etc.) and ones that have fiber (but not too much as a high fiber diet can cause constipation, especially if you aren't drinking enough liquids), but moderation is key. Gaining 1-2 pounds a week is normal for a majority of women, especially once baby starts growing like a weed. I gained 2 pounds last week, but the only place my extra weight is showing is my baby belly, and I'm still pretty active so unless you get a side or frontal view of me, you can't tell I'm pregnant. I'm with PP's in that don't limit what your body wants and speak with a nutritionist who specializes in prenatal nutrition. If you're craving something, chances are there's something in that food item that your body needs. 

cnewton01

Your body won't make a baby it can't handle. We were meant to do this. Centuries of evolution. We are meant to give birth. Dot let anyone freak you out

AllieMac11

Hey! That stinks that you can't have carbs, like I seriously would die. However, just remember that your doctor went to graduate school for at least 8 years to help you have the type of pregnancy that will lead to a healthy baby. All the people on here telling you to ignore the doctor's advice didn't. Don't doubt your doctor just because we on the Bump don't agree with their decision.