People Losing 15 to 20 Pounds During Pregnancy? FOR REAL!?

angiek1 · February 2011

tikitomban:
Ok, time and time again I read these posts about weight gain -- you know, "How Much Do You Weigh Now?" and "How Much Have You Gained," etc.
Without fail, there's always a string of people who say they've lost 15 pounds or 20 pounds in their first trimester ... or that they are still 10 pounds or less than their starting weight in the second trimester! I just HAVE to ask ... how much are people weighing BEFORE they got pregnant that allows for this to be possible, and how come I see such a large ratio of people saying they've only gained a few pounds at twenty-some weeks, then people saying they've gained? Makes me feel like I'm abnormal!
I will be honest, at the start of pregnancy I was 5'5", started at 123 pounds, 19% fat, size 2 to 4 pants, size 2 on top. I cannot imagine losing 15 or 20 pounds. Further, I'm quickly feeling like crap because NO-ONE who has GAINED weight ever seems to respond to these posts (I actually looked up images on Google to compare belly shots and see if I'm somehow obese for how far along I am)!
I'm 24, almost 25 weeks and put on 23 pounds in my stomach area!!! I'm putting this post up here, so that perhaps ladies who HAVE gained will speak up and make me feel like less of a cow!

I get that you feel like a cow b/c you have gained weight. While you wrote this post hoping to hear of others who are gaining, I want you to realize how insensitive you were to those who were able to lose 15-20 lbs. You want to fell less like a cow, but how do you think the people in the "how much did you weigh prior" category just feel reading your statement? Because you are so petite it is probably more crucial that you gain weight. If you have a low BMI (which you do, still in the normal range but under 17 is considered underweight) you will gain more weight than those with higher BMIs.

samfish2bcrab · February 2011

The OP's point was that she's reading about people who lose 10-15 lbs but has no idea what weight they started at. She feels like she's gaining at a much faster rate than everyone else. THAT is why she feels like a cow.

itsmevkb · February 2011

Yes, many people lose weight in the first and early second trimesters and just as many people gain weight. Each body reacts differently to pregnancy.

For me, I am not as hungry in my first and early second trimesters. There is a theory out there that HCG, which is the pregnancy hormone, actually suppresses your appetite. Additionally, I am one of those lucky women who have morning sickness the entire nine months. You normally don't feel like eating a ton if you know you're just going to throw it all up later.

I was overweight to begin with so I had weight to spare (about 30 pounds overweight). You sound as though you were quite thin to start with so I don't think you could really ever expect to lose 20 pounds. Also, just so you know, losing weight during pregnancy doesn't equal not having a huge baby bump. I was HUGE with my second pregnancy but I was two pounds lighter when I gave birth than when I got pregnant. So, I still felt like a cow even though I hadn't gained any weight.

Suesse2009 · February 2011

I wish I could say I have gained weight. I have had hyperemesis since about 6 weeks. I have lost 21 lbs. I have a PICC line, Zofran pump, all my nutrition I am getting through my IV. I throw up everything I try to take in even jello and sips of water. Every pregnancy and person is different and there are reasons for people losing or not gaining weight.

samfish2bcrab · February 2011

Suesse2009:
I wish I could say I have gained weight. I have had hyperemesis since about 6 weeks. I have lost 21 lbs. I have a PICC line, Zofran pump, all my nutrition I am getting through my IV. I throw up everything I try to take in even jello and sips of water. Every pregnancy and person is different and there are reasons for people losing or not gaining weight.

That sucks so bad. did the doctor say there's any possiblity of that going away? you must be just miserable.

Suesse2009 · February 2011

samfish2bcrab:
Suesse2009:
I wish I could say I have gained weight. I have had hyperemesis since about 6 weeks. I have lost 21 lbs. I have a PICC line, Zofran pump, all my nutrition I am getting through my IV. I throw up everything I try to take in even jello and sips of water. Every pregnancy and person is different and there are reasons for people losing or not gaining weight.

That sucks so bad. did the doctor say there's any possiblity of that going away? you must be just miserable.

My doctor says a lot of cases lessen between 16 and 18 weeks. Mine doesn't seem to be lessening any. It can last all the way up until delivery and some people have it for a few days or so after delivery. I am lucky though that my doctor had it during two of her pregnancies so she understands what it is like. It is hard. This is my first pregnancy and this is not what I had envisioned :-( I have been off from work for 2 months now. It is tiring emotionally and physically.

LnR70707 · February 2011

angiek1:
tikitomban:

or that they are still 10 pounds or less than their starting weight in the second trimester! I just HAVE to ask ... how much are people weighing BEFORE they got pregnant that allows for this to be possible, and how come I see such a large ratio of people saying they've only gained a few pounds at twenty-some weeks, then people saying they've gained?

I want you to realize how insensitive you were to those who were able to lose 15-20 lbs. You want to fell less like a cow, but how do you think the people in the "how much did you weigh prior" category just feel reading your statement?

This the tone I got from that part of her post to. Since she feels like a cow now, everyone who has lost any weight must of already been a cow, right? Yeah...she gets no sympathy from me either. Its not rocket science, everyone's metabolism isn't going to magically become the same because we are all pregnant.

kristennd · February 2011

angiek1:
I get that you feel like a cow b/c you have gained weight. While you wrote this post hoping to hear of others who are gaining, I want you to realize how insensitive you were to those who were able to lose 15-20 lbs. You want to fell less like a cow, but how do you think the people in the "how much did you weigh prior" category just feel reading your statement?

That was my reaction as well.

Especially if you factor in that those of us who are a size that can easily lose that much without it mattering are that size all the time and without the excuse of pregnancy and have been getting the cow comments for years. Regardless of intent, getting called out to 'fess up' isn't all that appealing.

cburitz · February 2011

samfish2bcrab:
cburitz:
tikitomban:
cburitz:

Geez... hormonal much?

I am nearly 20 weeks and haven't gained yet.

LOL. Clearly you are not one who should be responding to this post.

It's 100% genetics in my case. Trust me, I'm sure I will be huge by the end of the pregnancy and I am looking forward to it. I'm not "proud" or "bragging" about lack of weight gain. I just don't understand why we can't all support each other and recognize that everyone's bodies work differently. Each pregnancy is unique. There is nothing wrong with gaining 15 pounds at this point and (in some cases) there is nothing wrong with losing 15 pounds.

FYI, you wouldn't have come across as such a biotch if you'd just said this int he first place and not been "supportive" by calling the OP hormonal.

My initial reaction was b*tchy because I didn't like the fact she talked about wearing a size 2 and "19% body fat" in the original post and then tried to say she felt fat... If the whole point of the post was to make women who gained more weight feel comfortable announcing it to the world, why "brag" that she is a size 2? If anything, I would think it would discourage curvier women from speaking up. The whole post felt like a brag IMO.

JessandIgli · February 2011

Everyone gains at different rates, unless your doctor actually tells you there is a problem with your weight gain, I wouldn't worry about it. I've gained almost 20 pounds in my boobs and belly if it makes you feel better. But really, everyone is different.

heather_09_15_07 · February 2011

cburitz:
samfish2bcrab:
cburitz:
tikitomban:
cburitz:

Geez... hormonal much?

I am nearly 20 weeks and haven't gained yet.

LOL. Clearly you are not one who should be responding to this post.

It's 100% genetics in my case. Trust me, I'm sure I will be huge by the end of the pregnancy and I am looking forward to it. I'm not "proud" or "bragging" about lack of weight gain. I just don't understand why we can't all support each other and recognize that everyone's bodies work differently. Each pregnancy is unique. There is nothing wrong with gaining 15 pounds at this point and (in some cases) there is nothing wrong with losing 15 pounds.

FYI, you wouldn't have come across as such a biotch if you'd just said this int he first place and not been "supportive" by calling the OP hormonal.

My initial reaction was b*tchy because I didn't like the fact she talked about wearing a size 2 and "19% body fat" in the original post and then tried to say she felt fat... If the whole point of the post was to make women who gained more weight feel comfortable announcing it to the world, why "brag" that she is a size 2? If anything, I would think it would discourage curvier women from speaking up. The whole post felt like a brag IMO.

I agree. I love when someone feels the need to give their height/size (which is usually smaller than average) and say how fat they feel. :rolls eyes:

samfish2bcrab · February 2011

You missed the OP's point entirely. She wanted to know if pre-pregnancy body composition had anything to do with whether people were gaining/losing weight.

After reading the replies, she's probably right. if you are small when you start pregnancy you're more likely to gain an above average amount of weight during pregnancy than someone who was above average to overweight at the start.

regardless of whether you understood her, your slam about being hormonal and not supportive was pretty hypocritical.

Sara*n*Ryan · February 2011

L&R70707:
angiek1:
tikitomban:

or that they are still 10 pounds or less than their starting weight in the second trimester! I just HAVE to ask ... how much are people weighing BEFORE they got pregnant that allows for this to be possible, and how come I see such a large ratio of people saying they've only gained a few pounds at twenty-some weeks, then people saying they've gained?

I want you to realize how insensitive you were to those who were able to lose 15-20 lbs. You want to fell less like a cow, but how do you think the people in the "how much did you weigh prior" category just feel reading your statement?

This the tone I got from that part of her post to. Since she feels like a cow now, everyone who has lost any weight must of already been a cow, right? Yeah...she gets no sympathy from me either. Its not rocket science, everyone's metabolism isn't going to magically become the same because we are all pregnant.

I totally agree. I'm glad I'm not alone here. I avoided responding last night because I was going to be the b!tchy person. But I found some of the OP comments to come off as a little b!tchy, too. Congratulations on being 123 pounds, the reason other people lose weight is because they were super fat to begin with, that's what I felt like she was really looking for. Yes, you can--and should--gain up to 35 pounds for a healthy pregnancy. I had severe morning sickness and dropped 10 pounds in the first tri, it was super fun and I'm SO pround of that weight loss. Seriously, gag me.

Sondra614 · February 2011

Weight gain is definitely a touchy issue, and like many people have said, everyone gains differently, and every pregnancy is different.

I'm 5'3. With DD, I started out at 130 and rapidly gained to the tune of 75 lbs. over all, despite having GD and religiously sticking to a low cal, low sugar, low carb diet after diagnosis. I wish I could say I lost all of the weight after DD was born, but that would be a huge lie. Five years later, I started this pregnancy significantly overweight. At 17 weeks, I haven't gained anything (I was up 35 by this point last time!) I weigh myself every morning, and will fluxuate by 3-4 lbs. over the course of the week, but it always balances out and every Monday I am at the exact same weight as the day I got my BFP. I was told by my OB's birthing corodinator at my first visit that I should strive to only gain 11-15 lbs. overall. When I actually met with my doctor, she said that she like me to gain 25-35 overall to make sure baby is well nourished.

Last time I was always freaked out by how much I was gaining so quickly, and this time I'm a little worried about not gaining, but as long as you are eating foods that will nourish your body and baby and your doctor is not concerned, don't beat yourself up.

babypacheco · February 2011

Honey, don't feel bad!!! Every woman and pregnancy is different!

Before I had my first born, I was 5'4, 115 lbs, wearing sized 7's and 9's (big hips and butt). At the end of my pregnancy I ended up at 165 lbs!! It took a while for it to come off cause of my csection, but it happened.

Now, I am pregnant again, this time starting at 5'4, 135 lbs (muscle and healthy weight) and I went up to 146 lbs. I ended up getting a viral infection and was very sick for about 2 weeks and lost 12 lbs during that time. I am now back up at 142.6 lbs and I'm loving it! Everyone is saying that I look small for being about 5 months! I know I will never be as small as I was before I had my son, but you cope and deal with it. I have come to realize that I am a "thick" bodied person (not overweight). I have wide hips and wide ribs, which make it nearly impossible to get small again.

As you get further along in your pregnancy you probably will start to notice that you will slow down with the weight gain and any gaining you are doing is helping your unborn child to become healthy and warm! Keep your head up honey!

klv · February 2011

Its natural to compare ourselves to others, but really no two pregnancies are alike. As long as you and your baby are healthy that is all that really matters.

That said, I started off a little overweight. I'm 5'4 but wear a size 12 due to my genetically large rear end. When I got my BPF I stopped drinking beer and ate healthier. Other than a snack or 2 I didnt eat more than normal, just ate better. I had no morning sickness. It was not until about 20 weeks when I started to put on weight. I attribute this to 1) being a bit overweight to begin with and 2) My dramatic change in diet.

If I made these diet changes without being pregnant I am certain I would have lost weight.

bnicoledavis · February 2011

I feel the same way. I have had a pretty great pregnancy so far, no morning sickness(or any type for that matter) and the wonderful ability to eat whatever my heart desires. As a result however, I have gained 13lbs (all in my stomach and booty

. I try not to compare myself to people who have lost weight or only gained a few lbs but it is kinda difficult.

elynds · February 2011

I was a little bigger to begin with (could stand to lose 20lbs), and I've gained 10. I threw up every day for a month and still gained 10. So much of the weight gain isn't related to your eating, you're gaining blood, placenta, etc. Don't fret unless your Dr. frets

MrsMark06 · February 2011

I am 5' 5" and was 150 pre-pregnancy this time. The most I lost was 13 pounds, though I have started to gain some of it back. Same thing happened with my son---I was 155 pre-preg and lost about 12-13 with him in the beginning...

Karen1998 · February 2011

Suesse2009:
I wish I could say I have gained weight. I have had hyperemesis since about 6 weeks. I have lost 21 lbs. I have a PICC line, Zofran pump, all my nutrition I am getting through my IV. I throw up everything I try to take in even jello and sips of water. Every pregnancy and person is different and there are reasons for people losing or not gaining weight.

This sounds like sheer misery. I'm so sorry you're going through this. Big ((((hugs)))). I'm glad your doctor is understanding and is doing what she can to help you through this. I hope you're able to get some relief during your pregnancy.

Brady77 · February 2011

Try not to look at the scale and just concentrate on being healthy. Having a healthy kiddo is the most important thing.

I have been watching my weight since I was in high school thanks to a slow metabolism, my genes and being short. My doc told me 10-15lbs for the first half of the pregnancy and then 15-25lbs for the last half. I work out 4-5 days a week and I eat healthy. I am at 19 weeks and I have gained 11lbs (most of it in the last 2 weeks). I am not concerned. I figure if I eat well and exercise the weight will come off pretty easily. I know that my mom gained 50-60 lbs with each kid and she was an avid runner. She just did WW after she had us and the weight came off.

jenwa123 · February 2011

I was one of those with 11 lbs down at 21 weeks. Then at 25 weeks I had only gained one lb. The baby is measuring 2 1/2 lbs so everything is fine and doctor said I will gain weight in the 3rd tri and everything is normal. I was very shocked that this happened this time because with my DD I gained 55 lbs!!!!

Suesse2009 · February 2011

Karen1998:
Suesse2009:
I wish I could say I have gained weight. I have had hyperemesis since about 6 weeks. I have lost 21 lbs. I have a PICC line, Zofran pump, all my nutrition I am getting through my IV. I throw up everything I try to take in even jello and sips of water. Every pregnancy and person is different and there are reasons for people losing or not gaining weight.
This sounds like sheer misery. I'm so sorry you're going through this. Big ((((hugs)))). I'm glad your doctor is understanding and is doing what she can to help you through this. I hope you're able to get some relief during your pregnancy.

Thank you. I just tell myself every day that this doesn't last forever and the outcome will be a great baby :-)

Skibunny07 · February 2011

samfish2bcrab:
You missed the OP's point entirely. She wanted to know if pre-pregnancy body composition had anything to do with whether people were gaining/losing weight.
After reading the replies, she's probably right. if you are small when you start pregnancy you're more likely to gain an above average amount of weight during pregnancy than someone who was above average to overweight at the start.
regardless of whether you understood her, your slam about being hormonal and not supportive was pretty hypocritical.

I'm sorry but thats not how I took her post at all. SHe might have meant that but she didn't come across like that. When you say something like this... "I just HAVE to ask ... how much are people weighing BEFORE they got pregnant that allows for this to be possible, " in your first couple of sentences then it automatically turns off those of us who started out on the bigger side. She's basically calling the rest of us cows to begin with. I was overweight to begin with, I know that. Hence why I have not gained any weight yet and I"m proud of that. But even thought I"m short I'm also athletic, I can't possibly be her weight without being extremely unhealthy. She came off as braggy when she starts in about being a size 2 and 19% body fat.

rab41380 · February 2011

I will speak up LOUD, I already gained 20lbs and I am 18 weeks pregnant! All I do is gain weight and felt the same way about all these others that lose weight!

samfish2bcrab · February 2011

Skibunny07:
samfish2bcrab:

You missed the OP's point entirely.   She wanted to know if pre-pregnancy body composition had anything to do with whether people were gaining/losing weight.

After reading the replies, she's probably right.   if you are small when you start pregnancy you're more likely to gain an above average amount of weight during pregnancy than someone who was above average to overweight at the start.

regardless of whether you understood her, your slam about being hormonal and not supportive was pretty hypocritical.

I'm sorry but thats not how I took her post at all. SHe might have meant that but she didn't come across like that. When you say something like this... "I just HAVE to ask ... how much are people weighing BEFORE they got pregnant that allows for this to be possible, " in your first couple of sentences then it automatically turns off those of us who started out on the bigger side. She's basically calling the rest of us cows to begin with. I was overweight to begin with, I know that. Hence why I have not gained any weight yet and I"m proud of that. But even thought I"m short I'm also athletic, I can't possibly be her weight without being extremely unhealthy. She came off as braggy when she starts in about being a size 2 and 19% body fat.

No one seems to say they were overweight to begin with in the weight posts when they lose 10-15 lbs, though, so how is someone who keeps gaining and gaining at a rapid pace supposed to know that circumstances are different?

If the OP lost 10-15 lbs at her weight/frame she WOULD be extremely unhealthy.

megd06 · February 2011

cburitz:
samfish2bcrab:
cburitz:
tikitomban:
cburitz:

Geez... hormonal much?

I am nearly 20 weeks and haven't gained yet.

LOL. Clearly you are not one who should be responding to this post.

It's 100% genetics in my case. Trust me, I'm sure I will be huge by the end of the pregnancy and I am looking forward to it. I'm not "proud" or "bragging" about lack of weight gain. I just don't understand why we can't all support each other and recognize that everyone's bodies work differently. Each pregnancy is unique. There is nothing wrong with gaining 15 pounds at this point and (in some cases) there is nothing wrong with losing 15 pounds.

FYI, you wouldn't have come across as such a biotch if you'd just said this int he first place and not been "supportive" by calling the OP hormonal.

My initial reaction was b*tchy because I didn't like the fact she talked about wearing a size 2 and "19% body fat" in the original post and then tried to say she felt fat... If the whole point of the post was to make women who gained more weight feel comfortable announcing it to the world, why "brag" that she is a size 2? If anything, I would think it would discourage curvier women from speaking up. The whole post felt like a brag IMO.

agreed! The op is clearly looking for someone to pat her on the back and tell her that she is skinny and not gaining too fast. Women need to just relax and realize if their weight gain is too much--the dr. will tell them.

BTW...OP, I've gained 2 lbs so far, gained 25 total with my last pregnancy. I was a size 4 pre-pg. Sorry if that makes you feel like a cow.

cookierlr1 · February 2011

angiek1:
tikitomban:

Ok, time and time again I read these posts about weight gain -- you know, "How Much Do You Weigh Now?" and "How Much Have You Gained," etc.

Without fail, there's always a string of people who say they've lost 15 pounds or 20 pounds in their first trimester ... or that they are still 10 pounds or less than their starting weight in the second trimester! I just HAVE to ask ... how much are people weighing BEFORE they got pregnant that allows for this to be possible, and how come I see such a large ratio of people saying they've only gained a few pounds at twenty-some weeks, then people saying they've gained? Makes me feel like I'm abnormal!

I will be honest, at the start of pregnancy I was 5'5", started at 123 pounds, 19% fat, size 2 to 4 pants, size 2 on top. I cannot imagine losing 15 or 20 pounds. Further, I'm quickly feeling like crap because NO-ONE who has GAINED weight ever seems to respond to these posts (I actually looked up images on Google to compare belly shots and see if I'm somehow obese for how far along I am)!

I'm 24, almost 25 weeks and put on 23 pounds in my stomach area!!! I'm putting this post up here, so that perhaps ladies who HAVE gained will speak up and make me feel like less of a cow!

I get that you feel like a cow b/c you have gained weight. While you wrote this post hoping to hear of others who are gaining, I want you to realize how insensitive you were to those who were able to lose 15-20 lbs. You want to fell less like a cow, but how do you think the people in the "how much did you weigh prior" category just feel reading your statement? Because you are so petite it is probably more crucial that you gain weight. If you have a low BMI (which you do, still in the normal range but under 17 is considered underweight) you will gain more weight than those with higher BMIs.

Agreed, after reading this I suddenly felt like a "cow" because I lost 15 pounds. Then I thought about this whole weight gain/loss insecurity situation and its kind of ridiculous. WE ARE PREGNANT! Our bodies are calling the shots. As long as you aren't using pregnancy as an excuse to eat nothing but fried food and sweets then there is nothing you can do about it. Everyone needs to stop feeling bad about themselves!

Sazhrah · February 2011

Every pregnancy is different (notice I did not say every woman is different). Have you compared bump and pregnancy pics to your exact stats? Compared to me you might still look really small and you would call me a cow.

First 3 pregnancies I gained between 55lbs and 75lbs. Went right back down to a size 5/7. Last pregnancy I gained 31lbs and stayed at a size 10 for 7 years (and I am professional dancer). This one I am gaining slower then the last.

If you really want to compare, you need to compare yourself to yourself. Everyone's body will gain/loose/change as it should.

Why worry so much about it?

Gummybear · February 2011

I am going to need more information before I can determine cow status. Hip measurement, thigh measurement, how fast can you run the 40...

Seriously, to assume everyone losing weight is a fata$$ to begin with is off base. It's just as rude and judgey as assuming everyone who gains 20 pounds at 20 weeks is eating Cheetos and drinking milkshakes every day.

I said this yesterday, our bodies are going to do what their going to do. As long as you are honest with yourself about how well you are treating your body, don't sweat it.

shortie2008 · February 2011

I started out a size 16-18 at 5'5". Not what I'd imagined I'd be when I got pregnant--honestly, I'd heard being overweight messed with your fertility, and I was on the pill, definitely not trying!! Lol The only person to ever have morning sickness in my family was my maternal grandma, and that was only with one of her 6 pregnancies.

At first, I just didn't want unhealthy food. I was actually craving salad, fruit, etc. I felt great because I was eating healthier, lost a few pounds, and it was lovely. Then, I guess I decided to have enough morning sickness for all of my family. I would get sick for days straight. As in, not able to hold down water for three days sick. I was petrified!! I just kept losing weight. I couldn't hold anything down, no matter what I tried. On top of feeling like crap, I'm really fair skinned, and ended up getting broken blood vessels around my eyes, all over my face, and even down my neck and chest. Joy! I lost about 20 lbs, and while part of me was like, "Well, you always wanted to lose weight..." the new mommy part was going, "HOW ARE YOU FEEDING THIS CHILD?!?!" I finally got on anti-nausea pills and I gained 2 lbs in 3 days!

I'm finally gaining weight, and for once in my life I'm actually happy about that. I just felt like a failure already because I couldn't keep enough food down to nourish myself, let alone my LO. It's not something I'm proud of at all, if anything it scared the crap out of me. I've probably put on about 6 lbs since I stopped getting sick a few weeks ago (I'm almost 16 weeks), and because of starting out overweight, I'm only supposed to gain maybe 20 lbs with this pregnancy. So now I'm freaking out the other way!

I think one of the worst things to hear while pregnant is "You're so big/small!" They mean well, but I immediately go "too small--not healthy!" or "too big--not healthy!" As long as your dr says you're gaining correctly, don't worry. You just kind of have to trust yourself, your body, and mother nature that everything's going the way it should.

superchixor · February 2011

It happens and is completely normal in the first trimester. I'm not so sure about 2nd trimester. I think people should start gaining by then. I weighed 115 when I got pregnant. I'm 5'3" 30 years old. I am now 13 weeks and weigh 106. I have lost 9 lbs and my doctor said it's normal since most people are either sick or nauseated and just don't eat as much. My appetite is coming back and expect to start gaining in the next couple of weeks, hopefully!

laura0608 · February 2011

I have lost 15 lbs at 21 weeks. After my son was born I started gaining weight (turns out I have hypothyroidism) so I was overiweight and could stand to lose some. I was super sick my first trimester... I wasn't sick at all my first pregnancy. Good news I now have my appetite back... time to eat! Laura

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