Anyone have weight gain anxiety??

Dawley82

I know this is silly and irrational and I will probably get flamed for this, but I just needed to see if any of you feel like me: ?First off, I love being pregnant, I love my belly, and I am so grateful for this pregnancy, but lately I feel so fat and disgusting. ?I am 5'4" and started out at 108 lbs (after having to gain weight in order to get pregnant) and now I found out this week that I weigh 124 pounds. ?I cried after leaving the doctor and now all the anxiety I used to feel when I was underweight is coming back. ?I know in reality I am not fat, but after having issues with my weight and body image, it is a lot to take some days. ?I am still eating 3 meals and 3 snacks a day and doing light exercise 3-4 days a week so I'm not turning these thoughts into actions, but I hate feeling this way and picking myself apart. ?I am thinking I just don't need to know my weight gain the next time I go to the doctor if it's going to trigger such unhealthy feelings. ?Anyways, please don't flame me for this--just wondering if anyone else feels the same way. ?Thanks!

taraleffel

i have barely gained this time around, but am trying to be SUPER cautious because i gained 60+lbs w/DD and prior to this pregnancy was still trying to lose 20 lbs of it.

avada_kedavra

don't worry, you aren't alone! i've only gained 8lbs, but i'm freaking out over it! i know i'm supposed to gain weight, but i've spent my entire life trying to lose it!

EllePost

no flames here I am super weight conscience as well and was in a similiar situation to you. I gained weight intentionally while trying to get pregnant and at BFP I had gone from 114 to 125 (im 5'7'') and now at 17 wks I am up another maybe 20. I feel like a cow BUT I know my body is going to gain weight the way it needs for the baby (assuming I am not abusing the eating for two too much...all the time at least)  My dr is totally fine with my weight gain and I feel healthy so I think its okay. Our babies need us to gain a little because we started out tiny so try not to worry, you are providing a healthy home for your LO and I think our gain will probably be a little slower the rest of the way out- try not to think about it too much

kt&charles

i am having some negative body image lately. This pregnancy is a blessing and im so grateful after trying for a while. That being said i am 5'2" and was 100lbs pre preg, and in the best shape of my life. I definately dont feel beautiful with all the not so cute changes(and love handles), but i know that this is all going to be worth it.

I used to be at the gym 4-5 days a week min, and i feel very limited when i go now (maybe 2 times a week), running makes me leak, weights are really light, and i dont ever feel satisfied or challenged when i leave, but i know its all for the best! I also tell myself everyday that this is an amazing thing i get to be a part of and in spite of the weight, i will be able to get back to where i want to be:)

I have never had a problem putting weight on though;) just getting it to stay off:)

Dont worry i think this is normal feeling, and it will pass.

evasecka

I think that any emotions and thoughts you have when you are pregnant (ecspecially body image ones) are completely fine to have. Of course you feel that way, you are sharing your body with another human being and I don't care who you are that isn't easy! Just remember no matter how much you do or don't gain you are not only doing it for the baby but also to protect yourself, because the baby will take what it needs from you no matter what the consequence on you (ecspecially your calcium). Just know that you are doing what is best for you and for this other little person. When you first see your baby you will feel really good just knowing that he/she is happy and healthy!

mrsmiller080407

I am not flaming, but am going to suggest to the OP that perhaps you should see a doctor for the anxiety surrounding this.  It isn't normal, and you should have it monitored by a doctor.

ncr279

See I am the opposite.  I am having anxiety because I lost weight.  I am also 5"4' but weighed 118 before pregnancy.  I have lost 2 pounds since becoming pregnant and I am freaking out because everyone else is gaining weight.  I know it is because I am eating healthier and trying to avoid the junk I used to eat, but I cant help worry that I am starving the baby!

aknjcp

I can relate - and believe that a large amount of women can, too. Weight is such a huge issue in our society; it is hard not to worry and be self-conscious.

With my dd, I just accepted it after gaining 11 lbs in my first 12 weeks! I figured I would take it as just being pregnant. I just continued to eat as healthy as possible, but gave into my sweet tooth as a treat a few times a week (instead of my normal one time a week) as my "reward" for going through pregnancy. I walked (I was high-risk so any other exercise was OFF limits). I wound up gaining 34 lbs. More than I wanted to, but I accepted as a battle wound. LOL. I worked it off - and with 1 lb to go I got pregnant again! :-)

Now, I am 16 wks and haven't gained. I lost 7 lbs my first trimester... Gained 1 at my check-up 2 wks ago, but when I went yesterday I had lost it again. I am eating healthy and can again only walk. Whatever I gain, I'll accept knowing I can lose it afterwards.

Hell, I now know pregnancy caused more damage than just some extra weight (my lower abs are way looser, stretch marks on my hips and boobs [went up 3 cups], and less dense, saggier boobs [though now that I am pregnant again and 3 sizes larger again that has at least temporarily resolved itself]).

I always know, though, that no matter the battle scar - whether it be weight, stretch marks, bad abs, older looking boobs - it is all worth it in the end. My dd is totally worth it - and I know my ds will be as well.

alabaster_angel

I've been having a little weight gain anxiety also. I've been on the other side of things - I worked like hell to lose 200+ lbs over the last three years. Even though I'm 22 weeks in and have only gained 10 lbs, I have to remind myself that a baby is the best reason in the world to gain weight and there's nothing wrong with it.

witoga

I had more anxiety while pregant with DS - I gained a lot early on so I freaked out and imagined I was going to gain 50lbs! But it tapered off fast by around 28-30 weeks and I ended up gaining less than 30lbs total. And I lost all of it by the time he was about 7 months old (last 5-7 lbs are the hardest!)...I can very honestly say that my body went back to its original shape and fit, I did not have any permanent changes due to the pregnancy - of course I worked hard at that and I imagine it would have not been the case had I not been intentional about going back to the gym after he was born...

Keep excersizing as much as you can - it will help in the long run - and honestly, try to just go with it - if you are eating well and working out that is all you can do! It will come off!

MrsBalletStar05

I think it's perfectly normal to be worried/anxious about this. 

 

I'm 5'5 and about 130lbs normally....I got up to 185lbs with my son I figured it was what my body needed to do.  If it makes you feel better, I worked out and dieted like crazy and was down to 130lbs in 3.5 months and maintained it until I got pregnant again.  Just know that the weight gain is temporary and that you can and will be back down to your normal size again.  Your body might not be exactly the same as it was, but you can get DARN close with hard work. 

 

This time around I don't think I am gaining as much weight....but even if I do, I will be ok with it.  I am NOT eating very well (picky tummy, bad nausea that's controlled by eating more) and I haven't been exercising (although I think I should be able to again by now, feeling a lot better) but I know that I can lose the weight a 2nd time, since I already did it once!  

Halen0804

mrsmiller080407:

I am not flaming, but am going to suggest to the OP that perhaps you should see a doctor for the anxiety surrounding this.  It isn't normal, and you should have it monitored by a doctor.

Actually, having some anxiety about the changes in our body while pregnant is perfectly normal.  Anxiety that interferes with daily functioning or health is not.  I don't think OP is saying that her anxiety is the latter. 

For me- I have struggled with being slightly overweight most of my life.  It is a strange feeling to learn to embrace being okay gaining weight when I have spent so much time trying to lose weight.  So whether we are worrying about losing or gaining weight, I think it boils down to learning how to accept our bodies the way that they are, and understanding that are bodies are just changing to support a new life.  This is something I have to remind myself of daily. 

sblaisure

You're not the only one, but i'm the opposite of you.

I started this pregnancy obese, so my doctor only wants me to gain a max of 20lbs. And she said the baby would be prefectly healthy if i maintained my weight throughout.

Well i've gained 9lbs so far at the doctors, and according to my scale i'm up another 4lbs with my doctors appointment coming up Monday. I'm so afraid she's going to yell at me again for gaining. I cut out junk, and gave up my craving of cheese flavored things. I'm now craving fruits so it's good, i've been having a lot of oranges and grape juice, except that the 100% juices have tons of calories. I feel like I can drink a gallon of juice a day!

I'm trying not to gain a lot, but my body flucuates easily. I can step on the scale, pee and step on again and gain 2lbs. I walk around my apartment for 5 minutes and i'm down 4lbs. My weight is very strange.

CandT

I'm not going overboard eating but I'm not going to worry about gaining weight either. I'd rather worry about loosing it after.

Just focus on growing a LO inside of you and think of what he/she needs to grow strong and healthy and try not to focus on your own body image. Once LO is born you can get right back to your pre-baby self.

Dawley82

First off, thanks to all of you who responded. ?I feel lots better just knowing that other people have this anxiety. ?I guess I should have figured other people have this anxiety, but I think it's kind of taboo to talk about when pregnant because no one ever seems to mention it so I kind of felt alone in this.

Halen0804:

mrsmiller080407:

I am not flaming, but am going to suggest to the OP that perhaps you should see a doctor for the anxiety surrounding this. ?It isn't normal, and you should have it monitored by a doctor.

Actually, having?some anxiety about the changes in our body while pregnant is perfectly normal.? Anxiety that interferes with daily functioning or health is not.? I don't think OP is saying that her anxiety is the latter.?

For me- I have struggled with being slightly overweight most of my life.? It is a strange feeling to learn to embrace being okay gaining weight when I have spent so much time trying to lose weight.? So whether we are worrying about losing or gaining weight, I think it boils down to learning how to accept our bodies the way that they are, and understanding that are bodies are just changing to support a new life.? This is something I have to remind myself of daily.?

This! ?It would be one thing if I was taking measures to not gain any more weight or was trying to lose weight--then it would be a problem. ?But to simply feel anxiety and go to the doctor? ?That seems kind of extreme to me. ?

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smittysoup

Dawley82:

I know this is silly and irrational and I will probably get flamed for this, but I just needed to see if any of you feel like me:  First off, I love being pregnant, I love my belly, and I am so grateful for this pregnancy, but lately I feel so fat and disgusting.  I am 5'4" and started out at 108 lbs (after having to gain weight in order to get pregnant) and now I found out this week that I weigh 124 pounds.  I cried after leaving the doctor and now all the anxiety I used to feel when I was underweight is coming back.  I know in reality I am not fat, but after having issues with my weight and body image, it is a lot to take some days.  I am still eating 3 meals and 3 snacks a day and doing light exercise 3-4 days a week so I'm not turning these thoughts into actions, but I hate feeling this way and picking myself apart.  I am thinking I just don't need to know my weight gain the next time I go to the doctor if it's going to trigger such unhealthy feelings.  Anyways, please don't flame me for this--just wondering if anyone else feels the same way.  Thanks!

Look - it is totally normal to feel anxious about your changing body - you shouldn't feel bad about feeling anxious.

That said, there are some major red flags in your post.  As someone with a history of suffering from, and recieving treatment for and eating disorder in the past, I know that there is a difference between normal weight anxiety, and disordered thinking.  I also know that pregnancy is a very difficult time for people with a history of eating disorders.  I also have times of feeling really down on myself.

I don't know if this fits your scenario, but if it is, I hope that you do talk to your doctor about it.  Either way, I hope you feel better, and try to remember that your body is always beautiful, not because of how much fat you have, but because of the function it serves, and especially now as you are growing a baby  

 

Rachelilly23

I've gained somewhere between 6-8 lbs since BFP, but I gained a good 20 lbs this summer after our wedding and going off BCP. Don't flame me, but I'm terrified of gaining much more and topping 200 lbs. It's really my biggest fear of pregnancy. I just have to focus on that it's for my little bug and it will come off later.

DreamsBride411

I think what you're feeling is normal for some people.  I'm definitely battling the same way you are, but I have a past where I struggled as well.

A little background: I am 5'5" and was 120 lbs pre-preg, which was more than I've weighed my entire life.  From my late teenage years through my early and mid-twenties, I was a size 0 or 2, tops.  I was always the skinny one out of all my friends.  My mother, who was more plump than I was, was completely anorexic... she'd eat grapes and lettuce for dinner when I was a teenager just to maintain her weight (and she still does maintain it).   My brother is built just like her, but is very overweight now.  I am built like my dad and have always liked being thin.   I also hear my thin grandmother's voice in my head all the time "Mami, please, you don't want to get fat, please, mami..." she used to say if she saw me eating something I shouldn't be.  Maintaining my weight has always been important to me and no matter what I eat it's always in the back, and front, of my head.

SO, needless to say, I'm quite a bit weight conscious and am starting to get very nervous every time I step on the scale (although my weight has completely plateaued in the past 8 weeks...idk why).  My SIL (heavy also) called me the other night after I said a few things to her about weight gain in passing... she swears I have an eating disorder because I am so afraid of gaining 50 lbs.

Where am I going with this?  I guess I just mean to say, no, you're not the only one who's struggling - it's troublesome to some of us to see the scale climbing.  Just try to keep hydrated, nourished, eating balanced mini-meals throughout the day, stay away from junk, and your weight gain should be all baby.

TeenyLilac

You're not the only one.  I've had major anxiety about gaining weight.  I was already about 15lbs over what I usually weigh when I got BFP. I gained weight quickly after my m/c in may and was just beginning to get a handle on it when I got pg.  This happened both times I've m/ced.  It's like my body just thinks its supposed to keep gaining, no matter what I eat.  It made me very, very, very nervous to be starting the pg so far over what I'm comfortable weighing.

I have had weight and body image issues my entire life. Much of my family is obese and have made comments about weight and how I better watch it so I don't get fat like them, throughout my life.  I can gain 5lbs and they'll comment on it.  Although I have only gained maybe 1 or 2lbs so far the fat comments are already starting from my family.  It's really not helping my anxiety. 

I think when you've struggled w/ weight/body image issues, pg is just a hard time period.  It's hard to have so little control over what is happening to your body.  My dr. told me to just make sure I'm eating healthy and not skip meals and my weight gain should be in a healthy range.  I just keep focusing on the fact that I can funnel this anxiety towards getting in shape once the baby is here and that for now all I can do is be as healthy  as I can.

ali_bl-nov05

I too feel anxious, mostly because I sterted off overweight and I already gained all the weight I was supposed to during the whole pregnancy and I'm only half way through.

cathylynn1213

It is hard. I had weight issues years  ago, but I don't think those things ever completely go away. As someone that has been the same weight (give or take a pound) for 8 years, it's hard to see that scale go up 7 pounds. Remeber that your baby needs it. This isn't for you, this is for LO. Your body was made for this, and be proud of that.