Gaining weight in first trimester-is there any hope to minimize weight gain in second and third?

Re: Gaining weight in first trimester-is there any hope to minimize weight gain in second and third?

• Virginny

  September 2011

  I've found that some weeks I don't gain at all, and other weeks I gain 2-3 lbs. But with my first, I gained 30 lbs. And I think I'm on track to gain about 30-35 with this little guy. My mom gained 35 lbs in each of her 3 pregnancies, so I seem to be following in her genes.

  It could also be fluid retention. I was very bloated until about 14 weeks. If you keep in mind that the first trimester, you really don't need to add any calories (unless you're very active) it can help you from gaining too much. Then once the cravings kick in, it can be hard to deny yourself that extra scoop of ice cream or the large fries at McDonalds, but again, you're not necessarily "eating for 2". 

  Exercising should help and also helps with sleeping in pregnancy; so you should def try to keep the same level of activity as before you were pregnant.

  I tend to crave sweets and candy in pregnancy and it's hard to not to give in all the time. But I like to keep things like graham crackers, frozen yogurt, fresh fruit, yogurt-covered raisins and things to satisfy my sweet tooth, but not overdoing it by eating a pint of Ben & Jerry's.

  Eating protein and carbs together throughout the day can stave off binge eating. It keeps your blood sugar in check.  

  Best of luck to you! 

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• blushingbride_08 member

  September 2011

  Try to substitute the crackers for whole wheat crackers, the chips for baked chips and the baked potato for a baked sweet potato.  It may not matter calories wise but sometimes simple tweaks can make the snack a bit healthier.  Also don't feel bad if you cannot do your full workout as before.  I've been doing shorter workouts but trying to remain consistent with it. For now, try to find something other than food to curb nausea like acupressure bands.  The calories can quickly add up.  Also create a simple routine everyday like gentle stretching in the morning (20 mins), walking during your lunch break (20 mins) and walking after dinner (20 mins).  Each session can be no more than 20 mins and add up to 60 mins of exercise per day easily.  Nothing earth shattering just simple.  Now is not the time to try to have lofty goals especially during the 1st trimester when getting out of bed seems like the biggest challenge. Keep it simple, keep it consistent and keep moving.  Hopefully you will get your energy back in the 2nd trimester but those tips should help you get through your 1st trimester until you are back in full swing.  Good luck!

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• clo1982 member

  September 2011

  I gained a good bit in the first tri as well (gave birth this past June) and the only things i could keep down was manicotti, ravioli or pizza. Weird I know. Not exactly the healthy diet food my body was used to. It all evened out though and in the 2nd tri I didn't gain as much, so overall I totaled 40 lbs. Keep working out as much as you feel up to and just let your body do what it has to do! i know that is the toughest thing for someone who is used to being so fit (I really struggled with it) but your body is doing something amazing and you will have lots of time afterward to lose the weight. I'm 4 lbs off my pre-preg weight at 3 months out.

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• hikerbeth member

  September 2011

  With my first pregnancy, I gained a ton up front. . . I think 12-14 lbs. in the first tri.  However, I gained NOTHING for the last 8 weeks of my pregnancy and ended up with a 28 lb. gain total (and an almost 9 lb. baby).

  I was extremely active the whole time and ate very healthy once the nausea subsided.

  You'll be fine.  Stay active.  Eat healthy.

  Ashley Sawtelle Photography

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• sharksfan member

  September 2011

  I will be 38 weeks on Friday, and I have gained about 21 pounds at this point-11 of them were by week 10.  I was so sick in the first trimester that the only thing I could keep down were carbs, just like you're saying...by 2nd trimester, I was feeling better and able to eat healthier.  I'm not-nor have I ever been-a super active person, so the only exercise I've been able to really handle this pregnancy has been walking-about 45 min a day (until the last 2 weeks, I can only handle about 15 min at a time before needing to sit down and rest).  But I have been really good about watching what I could eat once I made it past the 1st tri morning sickness....don't worry too much, I'm sure you'll be fine b/c you seem to care.  Most of the people that I know who gained too much were people that had the mentality that they could now eat whatever they want throughout their pregnancy (not all, but most)...good luck!

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• acampbe2

  September 2011

  Everyone gains weight differently during their pregnancies.  My first 2 pregnancies, I gained most of my weight in my second tri.  We'll see how this 3rd one goes.  I just went by my OB.  If she was concerned, then I became concerned.

  

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• dbadura01 member

  September 2011

  Like many ladies here, I gained 10 pounds in the first trimester alone just because I was so tired and didn't want to run.  At 12 weeks, I suddenly felt great again, and started running and spinning again until the end of my pregnancy.  For the last 2 trimesters, I only gained another 8 pounds. 

   It will get better, I swear!
  

  
  
  

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• courtneyklv

  October 2011

  I also gained a lot at that time..2 vacations didn't help! I was also underweight and not eating big meals.

  I have been at about a lb a week and am 24 weeks. I have a lot of energy so go to the gym 3-4 times a week and do 40-60 minutes of cardio, some machines..and am now eating healthier. I am more toned and WILL NOT even look at the scale..the numbers are just scary so I just want to feel and look my best.

   

  

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