Does high weight gain usually mean GD?

Vegasbb · May 2012

I apologize in advance for the long post...

I have been very good at maintaining my weight for most of my adult life. Prior to pregnancy, I ate very carefully (no sugar, no caloric drinks, etc) and my work outs were just a mile brisk walk per day + yoga. I've always been a size 6 or 8 without too much trouble.

Then BAM pregnancy hit. I still walk and do yoga and eating is VERY similar to pre-pregnancy, but honestly I eat about 25% less now than I did before. I'm rarely hungry. On an average day I eat an egg + green smoothie (kale + non fat greek yogurt, carrots and a banana), 1/2 a sandwich for lunch, and grilled chicken and veggies for dinner. No snacks, no desserts. I probably eat ice cream once a week.

I have gained a whopping 26 lbs and I'm only 20 weeks pregnant. a SCARY SCARY amount of weight. I'm eating 1500-1800 calories a day, and walking a mile. I realize I could work out more, but I'm wondering if my INSANE weight gain means GD? Something is clearly very very wrong with me and my metabolism and I'm grasping at straws - maybe it's a thyroid issue?

Anyone have a similar experience? Please say I'm not the only freak who has to watch what they eat 24/7 and still gains insane amounts of weight!

For those that have had GD, what was your weight gain like during 1st and 2nd tri prior to being diagnosed?

Vegasbb · May 2012

MandJS:
Not necessarily, but it can be a sign. When is your nexm t appointment? Have you discussed your concerns with your doctor? Also - some women gain all their weight early and then just... stop. Or vice versa. With my daughter, I gained normally at the beginning, then by mid-2nd tri, I just gained a ton. This time seems to be the opposite - I'm hardly gaining at all yet.

I have asked my OB-GYN, but for some reason she doesn't seem concerned? I hope I'm one that just gained crazy amounts early and it will slow down.. eek.

punkrockabye · May 2012

I wouldn't think it's a clear sign. I have GD (no preexisting diabetes) and I have only lost weight so far--14 pounds total. I have to eat a lot of food to meet the GD requirements, too, even if I'm not hungry. I have to eat regular ice cream every night (or something with a similar carb/fat/protein count) before bed to control my fasting numbers, and this was suggested by the nutritionist. Still no weight gain.

Has your doctor expressed any concern about your weight gain? If not, you can always mention it. Thyroid problems can cause weight issues sometimes, but I have hypothyroidism which is under control with medication and obviously hasn't led to any pregnancy weight gain. It may or may not play a part in my obesity in general, although at least half of that is because of my addiction to food. Pregnancy has just killed my appetite.

HeyJune · May 2012

Not necessarily an indicator for GD. GD can actually cause weight loss despite having a big appetite. I failed my glucose test this week (have to go in for the 3 hour test to determine more), and I'm 26 weeks with a total weight gain of 4 lbs.

Some people gain more during pregnancy despite their efforts to eat healthy and exercise. I remember reading that Kelly Ripa gained 75+ lbs with each of her pregnancies and her doctor said it was normal for her.

beckslea · May 2012

Seriously? I've gained 26 lbs at 25 weeks and no, it's not "scary". 25-35 lbs is a general recommendation but many practitioners agree it's not a one size fits all category for women who start pregnancy at a healthy weight. Some simply need more weight gain.

I gained 50 lbs w/DD and didn't have GD. I am still waiting for test results this pregnancy.

MississippiCatfish · May 2012

beckslea:

Seriously? I've gained 26 lbs at 25 weeks and no, it's not "scary". 25-35 lbs is a general recommendation but many practitioners agree it's not a one size fits all category for women who start pregnancy at a healthy weight. Some simply need more weight gain.

I gained 50 lbs w/DD and didn't have GD. I am still waiting for test results this pregnancy.

I find this a little condescending. Yes, when you're a first time mom who's maintained her weight for her entire adult life, this can be scary. I went into pregnancy thinking, "I've stayed thin for the last eight years (since I lost 40 pounds), so if I'm careful, I'll just gain the low end - 25." When you're 20 weeks and you've already gained that much...it can be a little scary! We don't all come into pregnancy with the same thoughts and experiences.

Anyway, it is a possibility that your body knows that it needs a little bit extra "cushion" right now? Maybe your baby just needs your body to store up those nutrients! I know it can be frustrating, but you're growing a little person!

Vegasbb · May 2012

beckslea:
Seriously? I've gained 26 lbs at 25 weeks and no, it's not "scary". 25-35 lbs is a general recommendation but many practitioners agree it's not a one size fits all category for women who start pregnancy at a healthy weight. Some simply need more weight gain.
I gained 50 lbs w/DD and didn't have GD. I am still waiting for test results this pregnancy.

I apologize, I in no way meant to be offensive. I just worry because allegedly most weight gain is during the 2nd and 3rd tri and I'm concerned I'm on pace to gain WELL over the recommended levels. It does make me feel better that I'm not the only one who gained (or will gain) over the 25-35 lb weight range.

With your DD, did you gain the 50 lbs steadily or did the weight gain pick up more during 3rd tri?

beckslea · May 2012

angieboldt:
beckslea:

Seriously? I've gained 26 lbs at 25 weeks and no, it's not "scary". 25-35 lbs is a general recommendation but many practitioners agree it's not a one size fits all category for women who start pregnancy at a healthy weight. Some simply need more weight gain.

I gained 50 lbs w/DD and didn't have GD. I am still waiting for test results this pregnancy.

I find this a little condescending. Yes, when you're a first time mom who's maintained her weight for her entire adult life, this can be scary. I went into pregnancy thinking, "I've stayed thin for the last eight years (since I lost 40 pounds), so if I'm careful, I'll just gain the low end - 25." When you're 20 weeks and you've already gained that much...it can be a little scary! We don't all come into pregnancy with the same thoughts and experiences.

Anyway, it is a possibility that your body knows that it needs a little bit extra "cushion" right now? Maybe your baby just needs your body to store up those nutrients! I know it can be frustrating, but you're growing a little person!

Not intended to be condescending. I'm making a valid point. She said that her doctor is not concerned so why should she be? Higher than average weight gain is usually not a sign of a problem unless it's accompanied by other symptoms. (And yes, gaining more than "average" isn't fun no matter what number baby!).

elizabethwig · May 2012

I want to second the PP re: talking to your doctor about your concerns. Even if she thinks your weight gain is fine (which I think is absolutely true), you can always talk to her about any anxiety you're having about this gain, or ask her to talk to you about why you might be gaining quickly despite eating well and exercising. sometimes just having someone take time to reassure you (more than just saying it's fine) is helpful.

But no, high weight gain is not a definite indicator of GD.

teamsweet · May 2012

Um, you've gained 25lbs and you barely eat and you're only 15 weeks. You need to have your OB test your thyroid or refer you to an endocrinologist to test it. Hypothyroidism is common in pregnancy and that would be my first guess.

And I've never heard of a connection between early weight gain and GD since GD doesn't manifest until the end of 2nd tri.

queenie521 · May 2012

They are definitly not necessarily related. I gained 60 lbs with both of my previous pregnancies and I never had GD. I work my but off afterward to get it off but I think it's just what my body does in pregnancy. I'm definitly worrying less about it with this pregnancy because I just know the same will happen and it is OKAY. I Have already had my glucose test for GD (I get it early because of my tendency to gain weight and the fact that I have huge babies) and its come back fine again. I have gained 20 lbs in 20 weeks so far.

str8outalne · May 2012

Don't forget about water weight! That can have a pretty big effect on the amount you're gaining. I'm at 24 weeks and have gained 20 lbs so far which is at the high end.......in my case though it's definitely from eating too many carbs Huh?

dixneuf · May 2012

I'm in the same boat as you- I've gained about 25 lbs in 20ish weeks.

I spoke to my Dr about it last time- she didn't even think of it as something to discuss until I brought it up. She said it's on the high side and they'd test me for GD but it's one of MANY indicators but not necessarily meaning of anything. It's too early to tell.

I started to eat a diet close to that of someone with GD. At the very least I will know I am eating right. I ate almost nothing but carbs for the first 14 weeks. I couldn't even look at veggies. My weight gain has slowed significantly as I eat better. So I have cut WAY back on carbs. I actually feel better for it.

And contrary to what PP said, early weight gain IS one of the indicators of GD. Not definitive, but one of them.

MississippiCatfish · May 2012

beckslea:
angieboldt:
beckslea:

Seriously? I've gained 26 lbs at 25 weeks and no, it's not "scary". 25-35 lbs is a general recommendation but many practitioners agree it's not a one size fits all category for women who start pregnancy at a healthy weight. Some simply need more weight gain.

I gained 50 lbs w/DD and didn't have GD. I am still waiting for test results this pregnancy.

I find this a little condescending. Yes, when you're a first time mom who's maintained her weight for her entire adult life, this can be scary. I went into pregnancy thinking, "I've stayed thin for the last eight years (since I lost 40 pounds), so if I'm careful, I'll just gain the low end - 25." When you're 20 weeks and you've already gained that much...it can be a little scary! We don't all come into pregnancy with the same thoughts and experiences.

Anyway, it is a possibility that your body knows that it needs a little bit extra "cushion" right now? Maybe your baby just needs your body to store up those nutrients! I know it can be frustrating, but you're growing a little person!

Not intended to be condescending. I'm making a valid point. She said that her doctor is not concerned so why should she be? Higher than average weight gain is usually not a sign of a problem unless it's accompanied by other symptoms. (And yes, gaining more than "average" isn't fun no matter what number baby!).

Sorry, didn't mean to be snarky!

L8kissie · May 2012

I haven't gained any weight and I have GD. It can be related, but it is not a given. Some women just gain more weight during pregnancy. You body is designed to create a protective layer of fat just in case something keeps you from getting nourishment. Talk to your doctor. They are good at this type of question and calming fears. Gl.

numberonemama · May 2012

I gained a crazy amount with #1 but didn't have GD.

opaque1997 · May 2012

THANK YOU! #1 this has been a big concern of mine as I go in each month with a target of 3-4 pounds and put on 6-8 pounds - I'm up 22 pounds at 21 weeks. (FYI I was an average girl size 8-10 before pregnancy)

Unlike the original poster - I'm a sweet snacker So I'm scared to death of the GD - but I'm hearing it varies so widely that I'm trying to not freak myself out.

I also think this is a very valid question - and I too have been concerned - and also I've been called out on being snarky - and flippit - so though I didn't really appreciate the post that started with Seriously - I also know that sometimes things come out on this board that aren't meant to be an issue.

One more note - my regular OB is also not concerned about my weight - but for other reasons I had to see someone else in the practice this week and she was a little more concerned. I asked- should I be worried or aware? and She said - more aware then worried - but it can be a problem. So in response to - if your doctor isn't worried don't be worried - I say - take your health in your own hands to SOME EXTENT. If you are worried - mention - you know you say not to worry but it concerns me none the less - is there something else I should be doing?

When I took this approach I was told to cut carbs and replace with small amounts of protein and to up my exercise (within reason I was pretty much staying active but not doing 'exercise') Sounds like original poster is eating VERY healthy and is getting some 'work outs' that are good for her in - as others said - you may just put on more in the first half

kbradshaw9 · May 2012

I have gained 30lbs, and my GD result was 84 (it just had to be under 130).

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