Weight gain question

jenny1980 · August 2009

Some background: I didn't gain anything until 16-18 weeks (lost a few in first tri) and am now up about 14-15 from my pre-pregnancy weight. I'm not flipping out, but I am tracking a little higher than I'd like to be and am a little concerned that it's all come on so fast.

I started out at the very top of the "normal" weight range for my height, so my doc's recommendation was to keep weight gain to 25-30 lbs. So...I guess I'm trying to come up with a good plan for eating sensibly and keeping weight gain in check without (obviously) dieting or worrying too much about this.

Any thoughts? Anything you're doing in particular to stay healthy and keep weight gain reasonable? My plan now is to cut back on sweets and start working out a few times/week, but I'd love to hear how other mamas are staying in good shape.

ibis · August 2009

If you're hungry, you have to eat. I think staying away from sweets is a good idea since they're just empty calories and hard for a pregnant body to process. Exercise is good, but actually you may have to compensate and eat more if you're burning off some of what you're eating... still, exercise is the #1 way to prevent GD so I'd definitely recommend it.

I'm just trying to eat healthy as much as possible, snacking on whole foods instead of snack foods, eating whole grains and limiting refined flour. I usually have one "dessert" a day, typically something like cocoa or a fruit-only popsicle.

Lola'sDogMom · August 2009

My plan is that I am eating exactly like I did pre-pregnancy (which was mostly chicken or meatless dishes, lots of lowfat dairy, veggies, fruit) but added in a morning and afternoon snack that is healthy- like fruit, yogurt, natural applesauce, etc. I am not at all "eating for 2". I also walk nightly with my dog for 20 minutes. I am textbook on track with my weight gain per my doctor so I am sticking with my plan. I do indulge in sweets (am eating a brownie right now in fact) once a day which helps me stick to my otherwise healthy eating plan.

MrsRebecca · August 2009

I'm concerned that my weight is going to pile on because I went from barf-city no appetite to ravenous within days.

My plan so far has been to keep a lot of healthy foods in the house. Fresh fruits, veggies, etc. I also keep pretzels, almonds and wheat crackers, cheese, yogurt...I try to eat a lot of protein and fiber. I'm also trying to get my fats from good fats such as avocados.

My plan is that if I need to eat, I need to eat. But, I can make better choices about it. I'm sure I'll still gain weight, and that's okay. But I don't want to gain too much weight too fast because I'm just eating crap. By making good choices I am hoping it will mean that I gain the weight my body needs to keep me and baby healthy but not so much that I've gained too much and can't lose it.

I am also starting to walk. I was a big walker/jogger before but of course it's been months since I've done anything! I take a 30 minute walk twice a day and I'm also hoping to start swimming now that we have pool access.

12bailey18 · August 2009

My plan isn't that far off from pre-pregnancy- eat right and exercise. Of course, I'ved gained 20 lbs. but that's how my body deals with pregnancy I guess. I eat when I'm hungry and make smart choices. I indulged when I wasn't pregnant occasionally and I indulge now. I just don't worry about the weight gain because my doc's aren't worried about it either.

BarefootContess · August 2009

Just an FYI: with both my prior pregnancies, I gained little in the 3rd trimester, like less than 10 pounds. I always seem to gain a lot in the 2nd and then taper off.

MrsRebecca · August 2009

And, if worse comes to worst...DH and I have already decided to do weight watchers after I have the baby so I'll have support when trying to lose the baby weight!

littlemaybaby · August 2009

Up until week 18, I had gained 7 pounds - and like you, I was at the top of "normal" weight for my height pre-pregnancy so the doctor was happy with that. Then suddenly (with no change in what I was eating or my exercise routine), I gained 8 pounds between week 18 and 22 - making my total gain to that point 15 pounds.

My doctor had a small heart attack about 8 pounds in 4 weeks. Seriously, some of the women on here talk about doctors that are very laid back about weight - mine is definitely not one of them.

So for the last 3 weeks, I've been walking the fine line you talk about - between watching what I eat, but not dieting. Trying to make healthier choices when I am hungry, and trying to walk more. I've also upped my water intake.

I'm now hawking the scales like crazy - worried at how my next "weigh in" will go - next week. And honestly, my weight is up by my estimate 4-5 pounds from my last appointment with still a week to go. I'm sure I'm going to get the lecture again, but at this point, I'm doing what I can to stay healthy. Unless my doctor wants me to actually diet - I'm really trying hard not to worry about. (Easier said than done, I know.)

If you aren't eating junk, and if you are trying to exercise a couple times a week - then there really isn't much else you can do.

Good luck! Hopefully you'll have better luck than I'm having!!!

eee23 · August 2009

I eat sensibly during the week and then on weekends eat whatever I want! This is actually what I have been doing even before pg and it seems to keep my weight and cravings for junkfood in check.

I also workout everyday so that helps too.

ArmyWife123 · August 2009

your plan sounds pretty good to me!! best thing you can do is keep fruits and veggies around all the time so anytime youre hungry you have something easy to reach for... personally i love sliced apples and peanut butter so i always have some in the fridge!!

EmmieB · August 2009

I'm doing yoga regularly - which is helping with general mobility as well as weight control.

I'm also making a point to eat fruit when I want something sweet rather than candy. That makes a huge difference (it also helps with the pooping.)

Good luck!

blancanyc69 · August 2009

I eat a little bit more then pre -pregnancy but I added fruit and more vegetables to my diet. I also swim at least three times a week the ymca has a good aerobics class done in the pool that I love, it also helped with the lower back pain, I'm going to add the elliptical to my plan since my girlfriend is giving me hers .

Calips · August 2009

I wanted to echo previous poster. The 3rd trimester slowed down for me with my first. In fact, I recall my appt just before I went to weekly appts I had lost 1.5 lbs. So, just because you have a a big gain a month ore two in the 2nd tri doesn't mean it will be steady.

Gaining 15 or so punds at 21 weeks is just fine.

I gained exactly 30 with my daughter. I am on the same track this time having only gained about 2 more than I was at this same point in my last pregnancy. I have gained about 20 lbs by 26 weeks with 14 weeks to go. So, if I stay in the same pattern as last time, I will only gain 10 more pounds in the next 14 weeks. Seems about right with the pound a week average and slowing at the end.

I do,however, workout and eat pretty well. I think I was better with my last pregnancy in terms of both so if I gain 35 lbs I won't be surprised or alarmed. I am 5'11" and thin pre-preg so my Dr said 40 lbs is more average for my body type.

JulieandBen · August 2009

My suggestion would be to make your food work for you. Make sure your snacks are high fiber high protein so they keep you full longer. Choose snacks such as:

apple slices with a tablespoon of peanut butter

raw or unsalted roasted almonds and a small piece of fruit

a small handful of baby carrots, 1/2 whole wheat pita, and 2T of hummus

I am addicted to Azekiel's small tortillas with unsalted almond butter and a drizzle of honey, 1/2C of nonfat milk, and a small amount of fruit such as a handful of fresh raspberries

Make sure all of your breads, rices, pastas are whole wheat as they will be more filling and will keep you fuller longer.

Keep lots of water handy and drink it often. I drink (some say too much but whatever) about 100-120oz of water throughout the day. I don't drink anything else other than a cup of coffee with soy milk in the morning.

Keep your veggies up and your starchy side dishes down. Don't eliminate carbs from your diet. Be sensible about portion size and the type of carbs you are eating.

I really like the Weight Watcher ice creams and the Skinny Cow ice cream sandwiches. I also keep 60 calorie Jello puddings in my fridge with a container of real whipped cream. I try not to do sugar free anything (except the pudding happens to be sugar free) because I don't like introducing the chemicals to my body.

Exercise will only do you good and help with both labor and after the baby comes. I work out at least twice a week with my trainer plus cardio and then I workout on my own or run my doggie for short walks/jogs.

alsteach · August 2009

littlemay your story sounds exactly like mine! I gained too much in one 4 wk period and my doctor freaked! She said I could only gain 2-3 in the next 4 weeks. I see her Thursday and I've gained about 5-6. I'm so nervous that she'll say something.
I just don't know what to do. I don't eat junk, I exercise daily, eat tons of fruit, limit my carbs and drink tons of water. It's just annoying.

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