overweight and disgusted..

urban84

So I I am 11 weeks pregnant with #2 and I am having a very difficult issue with body image. When I got pregnant with my son (he is 3 now) I was only about 20lbs over weight and only gained 25lbs during pregnancy and lost all of it a few months after he was born. This time around I have gained about 30lbs so i am now 50lbs and then some overweight. So before I got pregnant I already looked pregnant and I am so upset about it. I tried to lose weight but with pcos and being on depression meds it was not easy. I feel gross and disgusted. Anyone else feel this way?

Acedit

I do not feel gross and disgusting, being able to experience pregnancy is such a blessing.  I do know that people who are overweight pre-pregnancy shouldn't gain as much weight as people with a norm BMI, so it is possible to not gain much additional weight during your pregnancy. I do understand that hormone imbalances before pregnancy can cause issues with weight gain, but when you are pregnant your hormones are where they should be, so the only weight gain you should have is the baby. Talk to your doc and see how much weight they suggest you gain...and try to stick to that, you will appreciate it after the baby arrives when you don't have as much to loose. Try to enjoy your pregnancy and embrace this time.

kz's_girlygirl

I am so sorry you are feeling this way . Weight gain during pregnancy is normal, but it might help you to talk to your Dr. They can help you figure out a healthy amount to gain and point you to a nutritionist if you are interested in that. Also, I'm not sure how PCOS is managed during pregnancy, but hopefully you will be monitored and any medication adjustments will be made to help you feel better on that front if possible.

I have some body/weight issues as well and am already anxious about gaining weight that I have worked really hard to lose.

GL

missnacholover

I'm overweight and definitely don't feel my cutest while pregnant.  But I'm trying to take it in stride and accept that I'm going to gain some weight and it is what it is.  The health of the baby is what matters most.

However, like PP said, if you've gained 30 pounds already, I'd seek medical help ASAP. 

dogsombrero

I'm overweight as well. While yes pregnancy is glorious and having a baby is a joy it doesn't mean that we don't hate the stretch marks, weight gain etc. In your post did you mean you've gained 30 pounds in this pregnancy or between your last pregnancy and conception? If you've gained 30 pounds during pregnancy I'd ask your Dr. to do some testing because that sounds like and underlying health issue that needs addressing (which is NOT YOUR FAULT so please don't blame yourself or feel bad). If you're just stating that you are about 50 pounds overweight at the start of this pregnancy. You may want to ask your provider not to tell you the number and not weigh yourself at home. I've found that the more I focus on weight/the scale the worse I feel about myself.

urban84

Thanks ladies. I meant that after having my son 3 yrs ago and before getting pregnant in February I gained 30lbs. I did not just recently gain the 30lbs. I will be 11 weeks pregnant this Wednesday. Its nice that other ladies know the feeling. Obviously pregnancy is an amazing experience but when you're already overweight before getting pregnant you just feel awful about how u look.

haleyusf

I felt that way when I was PG with DS b/c I was about 40lbs overweight when I got PG. But, I decided that there was no reason that I couldn't work on getting me healthy while growing a human, so I started walking and swimming and did yoga (not strenuous stuff, but I stayed active) and ate a clean diet. I was never hungry or unhealthy about it, but just focused on making good choices most of the time (I totally went for chocolate milkshakes and seafood platters, but it just wasn't every day). I know how you feel, but the best way to help work on your self-esteem and body image is to take control back and feel like you're making progress. ((hugs))

littleissa86

haleyusf said:

I felt that way when I was PG with DS b/c I was about 40lbs overweight when I got PG. But, I decided that there was no reason that I couldn't work on getting me healthy while growing a human, so I started walking and swimming and did yoga (not strenuous stuff, but I stayed active) and ate a clean diet. I was never hungry or unhealthy about it, but just focused on making good choices most of the time (I totally went for chocolate milkshakes and seafood platters, but it just wasn't every day). I know how you feel, but the best way to help work on your self-esteem and body image is to take control back and feel like you're making progress. ((hugs))

I went into this pregnancy about 30lbs overweight, which of course causes some self esteem issues.  But the way @haleyusf states to handle it is so on-point.  I'm doing the same thing she did with her son - walking daily, strength exercises, eating clean but making sure I'm also eating enough, and trying to stay positive.  I still have days where I look in the mirror and feel down, but I also remember that pregnancy does not mean that I have a free ticket to sit on my butt and watch daytime tv while I pig out on junk food; instead, it's a time that gives me an even bigger reason to eat healthy and treat my body (and my baby!) right.  And like a lot of ladies said, don't hesitate to keep seeking help in terms of dealing with the underlying issues of depression and self-esteem.  A healthy baby needs an healthy mommy (both physically and mentally).  Stay strong, don't get too down on yourself, and take it one day at a time.

Kaumoo

I'm 5'2" & according to the CDC the max weight for my height should be 136.  I was 180 when I found out I was pregnant (I'm 12 weeks).  That's 44#'s over & I'm considered obese:)  A lot of my weight goes to my midsection so I been looking pregnant for the past year.  hahahaha!  I was worried about gaining a bunch of weight when I first found out.  Now I could care less.  There's bigger things to worry about...like the kiddo growing inside me.  If I have to get fat to make him or her so be it.  Hopefully breastfeeding will help when it's time to lose:)  Happy pregnancy ladies!!!

snarkylibrarian

I understand where you are coming from totally re: feeling gross. I am technically "obese" (5'9, 210lbs) and have struggled with my weight my whole life. I eat a fairly balanced, plant-based diet and exercise regularly and this is just where my body is at. I finally felt like I was in a good confident place about my size and then I got pregnant. Being bloated and constipated all the time doesn't feel sexy. My face is getting rounder and breaking out (YAY!).

I'm trying extra hard to be kind to myself and love the body that is nourishing and growing my little one. Try not to be so hard on yourself. You're creating a life inside you. Eat a balanced diet, do some light exercise and that's pretty much all you can do, right? Maybe it's a hormone imbalance that's causing the weight. If so, you might just have to accept it and do your best to lose weight afterwards. I know it's not easy, but be kind to yourself! I'm sure you're a beautiful mama!

racheldiaries

I feel you. I lost a bunch a weight over the last several years and then gained back about 25lbs in 8 months due to falling off the wagon completely. I then found out I was pregnant in December, missed miscarriage in January, and getting pregnant again right away. I hate that I don't fit well into any my clothes due to weight gain prior to pregnancy, but then with bloat from pregnancy it really has pushed none of my clothes fitting. I am having quite a bit of body image issues. I haven't been this heavy in years and know with pregnancy it will push me towards where I originally was four years back. I just have made a promise to myself that after the baby is born its time to get back on track and get back to where I was pre-pregnancy then some. But for now I'm just going to try and enjoy every thing this pregnancy offers even weight gain.. key word try lol.