Health & Exercise

advice for a healthier second pregnancy?

Does anyone have tips or success stories to share on having a healthier second pregnancy?
I gained almost 60 lbs with my first - I felt terrible and pretty much only had the energy to eat crap and watch TV.  I also didn't start at a great weight either, which probably didn't help.  While it was hands down one of the hardest things I've ever done, I did lose every last ounce and an additional 15-20. 

I am pregnant again and really afraid of the same scenario repeating itself again.  If anyone has been in this boat with first pregnancy, can you share success stories and advice on gaining a healthier amount the second time?  Thanks. 
***S/PAIFW***TTC since forever ago....

DH-34-MFI-motility+morphology.... Me-32-Hypothyrpid+LPD

7/8/11: Clomid100mg+Ovidrel+IUI#1=BFN

8/2/11: Clomid50mg+Ovidrel+IUI#2=BFFN

8/25/11: Follistim50iu+Ovidrel+IUI#3=BFP!!!!@14dpo

Beta#1 9/8 - 251 Beta#2 9/15 - 1622 Beta#3 9/22 - 12674

1st U/S; heard one beautiful HB of 129 - 9/29/11

OB visit; HB of 166 - 10/13/11

2nd US; HB of 163 - 10/18/11

A/S - 12/9/11 - It's a perfect healthy BOY!!!!

Our miracle baby boy - born 5/24/12

Re: advice for a healthier second pregnancy?

  • Only have food in your house that you know is healthy for you to eat. Try to have healthy snacks throughout the day to prevent over eating when you are suddenly starving. Try to get some sort of exercise most days of the week- wwalking, yoga, cardio.

    Great job on losing all that weight! Sounds like you'll do great this pregnancy.

     
  • I think that the first trimester is very telling of what will happen during the rest of the pregnancy. The more you gain during the first tri, the more you are likely to gain too much during your pregnancy, especially because during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters you can have some weeks with big gains that are normal.

    You should only be gaining 2-4 lbs in the first tri, which means that although you shouldn't diet per se, you should definitely watch your calorie intake and not gain much weight at all. Try eating lots of protein and avoid foods with empty calories. Also try staying active through walking or other exercise that you feel comfortable with. Exercise helps curb hunger and will give you more energy. (Plus keep you regular, which is so hard to do during pregnancy)


    Lilypie Pregnancy tickers
    Me: 38 DH: 36
    Married 8/27/2011
    BFP #1 9/28/2011 DS born 5/22/2012
    BFP #2 4/24/2013 m/c 4/25/2013 at 4w
    BFP #3 1/31/2014 DD born 10/14/2014
    BFP #4 1/20/2016 m/c 2/12/2014 at 7w2d
    BFP #5 8/19/2016 DS2 born 4/29/2017
    BFP #6 3/7/2018 EDD 11/18/2018


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  • I'm in the same boat as you, OP. I gained 53 lbs with my son and I did lose it all but it took a little over a year. I was so upset with myself for letting it get that out of hand (it was totally my doing - no exercising and eating crap the whole time).

    This time around, I have gained a little already, but I'm trying to make healthier choices for food. Also, I've been too exhausted and sick to exercise YET but I am already feeling better this week so I fully plan to implement an exercise plan (I have quite a few pregnancy workout DVD's) and do it 3-4 times a week. The first trimester has been hard with eating - most days it's just what I can stomach and I've had major aversions to some of the healthy stuff I was eating before - but again, starting to feel better so I'm hoping to get back on track.

    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
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    BFP # 1 - 12/19/09 EDD 08/27/10 - D&C 1/26/10 @ 9w5d

    BFP # 2 - 06/05/10 EDD 02/17/11, DS1 born on 2/14/11

    BFP # 3 - 04/10/13 EDD 12/21/13 - D&C 05/15/13 @ 8w4d

    BFP # 4 - 07/27/13 EDD 04/08/14 - CP 07/29/13

     

    BFP # 5 - 09/14/13 EDD 05/28/14, DS2 born on 5/22/14 

  • 1A1A member
    I gained 50 with ds1, similar to you are what i wanted and wasn't active. I gained 35 with ds2 exercising moderatly 3-4 times a week and eating better. I am currently pg with #3 and have been exercising similar to before pregnancy and my eating is all over the place- some days good somedays not. I am aiming for same 35 lbs. I have big babies so I think that is realistic for me.

    Being active with ds2 i noticed i lost the baby weight way easier then with ds1. Most likely because a lit if that 50lbs was not baby and was fat.

    I think if you are smart and stay active you are better off. Gl!
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  • I have a question. I usually eatlots of salads and veggies. I am praying that aversions to those foods go away soon. I am 9w. Is this to expect? I've gained 8 pounds already. OB said 25 pounds max.
  • Nancy1250 said:
    I have a question. I usually eatlots of salads and veggies. I am praying that aversions to those foods go away soon. I am 9w. Is this to expect? I've gained 8 pounds already. OB said 25 pounds max.
    everyone gains weight differently.  some people gain most in first tri and other gain most in 3rd tri.  there is no right or wrong.  i'm not proud of the fact i gained 76, half of which was water weight.  it was hard on my body but all of it came off and then some.
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  • 1A said:
    I gained 50 with ds1, similar to you are what i wanted and wasn't active. I gained 35 with ds2 exercising moderatly 3-4 times a week and eating better. I am currently pg with #3 and have been exercising similar to before pregnancy and my eating is all over the place- some days good somedays not. I am aiming for same 35 lbs. I have big babies so I think that is realistic for me. Being active with ds2 i noticed i lost the baby weight way easier then with ds1. Most likely because a lit if that 50lbs was not baby and was fat. Thank you for sharing - this gives me hope! My gain with DS was all me, he wasn't even a full 7 lbs and months after having him I weighed exactly what I did after coming home from the hospital. It really exacerbated my PPD as I just didn't plan to be obese but at the time It felt like that was my destiny. It was definitely not baby weight, it was plain fat. So far I am doing well. I do moderate exercise 3 days a week even though it's really hard to find time and energy, and I continue to track my calories on MFP. It's such a habit now, I don't see myself stopping. The idea of logging a candy bar typically keeps me from eating it! Just hope I can keep this up going forward. Thank you everyone again for the advice. I think if you are smart and stay active you are better off. Gl!

    ***S/PAIFW***TTC since forever ago....

    DH-34-MFI-motility+morphology.... Me-32-Hypothyrpid+LPD

    7/8/11: Clomid100mg+Ovidrel+IUI#1=BFN

    8/2/11: Clomid50mg+Ovidrel+IUI#2=BFFN

    8/25/11: Follistim50iu+Ovidrel+IUI#3=BFP!!!!@14dpo

    Beta#1 9/8 - 251 Beta#2 9/15 - 1622 Beta#3 9/22 - 12674

    1st U/S; heard one beautiful HB of 129 - 9/29/11

    OB visit; HB of 166 - 10/13/11

    2nd US; HB of 163 - 10/18/11

    A/S - 12/9/11 - It's a perfect healthy BOY!!!!

    Our miracle baby boy - born 5/24/12

  • I'm not pregnant right now...but I plan on having a healthier second pregnancy too.  I usually am pretty healthy with my food choices and exercise, but I really let myself go during my pregnancy.  I was just so exhausted that I just wanted to have convenience food and go to bed early - especially in my first tri.  I got healthier at the end of my pregnancy, but I think it's important to start early.
     
    Here are some suggestions:
    • Go once a week to a (prenatal) fitness class and let DH watch your child...Mom's night off!
    • snack often on healthy snacks
    • eat more homemade food and less restaurant/processed food...if it's homemade, it's generally healthier as you are in control of the ingredients.  Ie. make a homemade pizza instead of takeout.  Look up some simple recipes and try something new every week.  You can make double batches and freeze, so you have something already prepared.
    • walking!  try to walk 30 mins a day...at lunch time, after work...whenever you have time.  It can be one long walk or a couple short walks. 
    • If the weather is bad, try walking in a mall, going for a swim at the pool, or doing a short workout dvd at home.
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  • I gained close to 60 with my DS. And I like you lost it all but it took time and I know now that 25 of those lbs were indulgent crazy food lbs. I even worked out when pregnant with DS  

    I actually disagree with an PP that said your 1st tri is a good view of how things are going to go. That might be true if you feel like a million bucks those first 13 weeks. I didn't workout and I ate pretty poorly because I have had terrible 1st trimesters. But it is my opinion that you have to take  it easy on yourself during those tough weeks and remember that it is NOT a reflection of the rest of your pregnancy. This time, like last time I'm back at the gym and feel so much better my second trimester. BUT this time unlike last time I'm trying to be more mindful of baked goods and now that I'm feeling good I'm watching what I'm eating and making better choices. 

    I feel like my concern of not wanting to have the same amount of crazy weight gain has been enough to put me in my place. I'm more than half way through this pregnancy and Ive gained a fraction of the weight I gained with DS. I feel like sometimes that fear of not wanting to make the same mistake is enough. of course try to be healthier and exercise if you can!


  • mcfife09 said:
    I gained close to 60 with my DS. And I like you lost it all but it took time and I know now that 25 of those lbs were indulgent crazy food lbs. I even worked out when pregnant with DS  

    I actually disagree with an PP that said your 1st tri is a good view of how things are going to go. That might be true if you feel like a million bucks those first 13 weeks. I didn't workout and I ate pretty poorly because I have had terrible 1st trimesters. But it is my opinion that you have to take  it easy on yourself during those tough weeks and remember that it is NOT a reflection of the rest of your pregnancy. This time, like last time I'm back at the gym and feel so much better my second trimester. BUT this time unlike last time I'm trying to be more mindful of baked goods and now that I'm feeling good I'm watching what I'm eating and making better choices. 

    I feel like my concern of not wanting to have the same amount of crazy weight gain has been enough to put me in my place. I'm more than half way through this pregnancy and Ive gained a fraction of the weight I gained with DS. I feel like sometimes that fear of not wanting to make the same mistake is enough. of course try to be healthier and exercise if you can!


    this is good to hear.  I hope i can workout next time and not be so sick and tired.  it would also help if i wasn't ravenous hungry all the time.  I had to have 6 full meals when I was pregnant with DD and 5am snack....I had never gotten so sick of eating in my life.
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