Weight Gain

Melissa Leigh

Hi,

So I am ~8 weeks along. During the pregnancy, I have already gained 13 lbs. I am on my surgery rotation in medical school, & have gained 18 lbs since starting the rotation at the beginning of the year. The reason for the weight gain is that my work days last from 4 am to 7 pm. My breakfast I eat at 3:30 am doesn't hold me until lunch at 12 pm, so I eat a second breakfast at 8. Then food at noon isn't holding me until I get home at 8, so more food at 4 pm. Also, since I don't have time to grab the healthy lunch I have packed in the refrigerator at the med school and only have a few minutes between surgeries, my meals have been the unhealthy muffins, crossaints, & brownies from the coffee shop. Anyhow, I feel pretty disgusting with how bad my diet has been lately. I was wondering since they recommend a weight gain of ~20 lbs during pregnancy, can the 13 I've gained during the first 2 months count? Is it okay to try to just maintain that through at least the second trimester? I'm done with surgery in 3 weeks, & my hours (& thus diet) will be able to return to normal.

Thanks!

~ Melissa

Nurselorie

What a brutal schedule!  Unfortunately the weight gain of first trimester doesn't count towards the next two (I asked!).  Baby needs the extra calories throughout.  Good luck with the next 3 weeks- be kind to yourself, you are handling a lot!!

alicatt79

Congrats!

No, the weight you've already gained can't count.  The baby has to grow, too.  And the fluid, extra blood, etc all add up.  Try not to worry about it too much and try to plan ahead and eat healthy (ish).  Keep extra snacks like granola bars and fruit in your backpack and eat them throughout the day. 

Try not to worry about the weight gain too much.  I gained a TON and lost 44lbs so far without even trying. 

otherhalf

Good luck with the next 3 weeks! 

jdiaz79

First of all, my sister is in her 4th year, and I give you so much credit for handling that brutal schedule along with a new pregnancy!!!! I wouldn't stress too much about the weight gain. I mean, as long as you are eating and getting some things of nutritional value. You do what you got to do at this point. Just try to get back on track after this rotation. GL and congrats!!

coldplaygrl829

Ugh. I feel the same way you do - I've already gained 10 lbs. and I'm only in my 12th week. So, I know the feeling. If this is your first though, chances are you'll lose some of your weight within a few months after birth (if you plan to breastfeed, you'll lose even more).

I gained 60 lbs. with my first and I hated my body. I did, however, (over the course of 2 years) lose every pound I gained and even more, so it's not a lost cause. Just try to enjoy your pregnancy and not worry so much about the weight gain. I know it's easier said than done (as I worry about the next 6 months myself), but there's nothing you can do at this point other than relax. GL! :-) 

smilelari

First, eating that frequently is fine.  I've always eaten 6 meals per day.  Just practice portion control appropriately.  Small, frequent meals also helps with morning sickness!

No undoing what's been done.  Just try to focus on making healthy choices

shanen29

Wow how in the hell are u staying away with those hours alone and then throwing being pregnant on top.  I can't even imagine!!!  

jhelly77

UGH.... I graduated med school in 04, and I canNOT imaging doing it pregnant.  Props to you for that!

Just try to make healthier choices from here on out.  Don't diet though!

Melissa Leigh

Thank you for all of your responses. It makes me feel a little better. I'm just feeling stressed, & the weight gain isn't helping. I will need to lose the weight FAST after I give birth. I will have to be interviewing for residency positions in Nov/Dec/Jan (due in late Oct). Everyone I've heard of who interviews while still looking pregnant has not matched into a residency. I also already had bought my suit (in a what now seems impossible) size 4. I guess I came into the pregnancy thinking that I'd be able to maintain my weight through at least the 4th month and try to gain the minimum amount that would still be healthy for the baby. I feel like I've blown it.