I'm not gaining enough weight

cinnamonrollcupcake · January 2014

Hi ladies! I am 17.5 weeks along and have gained 3-4 pounds so far. I had an OB appointment yesterday and they said that they want me to have gained 8-10 pounds at 20 weeks. At the rate I'm going it seems I'm not going to get there. They told me that the concern would be that my baby isn't growing enough. So they told me to consume more calories. Since becoming pregnant I haven't felt more hungry and I've only been eating when I'm hungry - I feel like I'm now going to have to force myself to eat when I'm full in order to try to gain some more weight. I'm thinking that everything's probably okay with our baby, but I guess I'm just a little stressed out about it now since I want our baby to be healthy and the OB seemed a little concerned. But I'm guessing there's others out there who didn't gain much weight early on.

I should also add that I was lucky and didn't have morning sickness/nausea, so that's not a reason for my lack of weight gain.

DoublePortion · January 2014

Have you considered drinking Boost or something like that? It's not filling but packs a nice punch. I've been drinking Boost High Protein (dark chocolate, I think) for a few weeks since I've barely been able to eat and it's pretty good tasting. I think OBs like you to gain weight early on incase baby is a little early, so their birth weight will be higher.

cinnamonrollcupcake · January 2014

@DoublePortion ~ Thanks for the suggestion!

Keephope2012 · January 2014

I wouldn't stress too much but def do what your OB suggests. I had gained very little weight early and think it was about 20 weeks I asked my OB about it. I ended up just trying to eat a little more and then my appetite picked up and my weight caught up. I am now 39w4d and have gained a healthy 35 lbs with it coming much faster at the end. Good luck!

twistsandturnsto2 · January 2014

I hope you can figure something out that works for you but I wouldn't be too concerned yet. I will be 20 weeks on Tuesday and have yet to gain anything really and my OB hasn't been concerned at all. I've been more concerned about it tho and do think protein shakes could be a good idea!

MJC1116 · January 2014

I had the same concern with DD. I had only gained 6 lbs by 20 weeks, so my OB advised me to eat higher calorie foods (not things that are junky, just more calories) or drinks like pp suggested (boost...I think others have suggested ensure). Within a month I gained 12 pounds (!!) by ncreasing my calories, not just food intake. I'm sure you'll be fine.

Everyone seems to gain at their own pace. Do what you can to get a bit more in you, but don't stress over it. If you're eating like you should, then your baby is growing just fine.

anations · January 2014

I agree to not stress. It is hard for us, I know! I actually got a lot bigger from 17-20 weeks. It was a big growing time for me. I can't eat a lot, especially protein so I have to be creative to get protein down. I do the yogurts that you drink tried ensure but they got old quick. Fruit and nuts snacks are good too! Good luck. Everyone is different. Some people gain a ton, some not much. I wouldn't compare yourself too much to others.

oO Angie Oo · January 2014

It all depends on your weight when you got pregnant. I have gained about 20 pounds this pregnancy and I am 38w4d along now. They can measure the baby to make sure that the baby is growing on track. My doctor didn't really pressure me to gain a lot of weight- she just didn't want me losing weight because I had horrible ms and lost 20 pounds. Don't worry about the baby, he or she is just fine. I didn't gain ANY weight until I was about 24 weeks along. (Once I could eat normally again I gained weight rather quickly)

katekat8721 · January 2014

I'm in a similar situation, at 17.5 weeks I'm still negative three pounds, with twins

For twins they would like you to gain 20 to 24 by 24 weeks, tthat's.not happening!

It's a little stressful to not.be putting in the weight to be honest. But just do the very best you can do!

I will agree with everyone else. If you're going to eat, don't do low fat or low calorie. Eat bakes potatoes with real butter and sour cream. Drink protein smoothies with real yogurt and milk for the calories. First thing when you get up and last thing before you go to bed, eat.

Before bed I eat dairy/carbs and drink a boost. Last night at 10pm, after being all cuddled up for an hour already, I realized I forgot to eat so I had to go make myself cottage cheese toast and a boost drink.

Hang in there girl! We can motivate each other to eat, eat, eat

ball.and.chain · January 2014

I started out about 40 lbs overweight, so my OB wanted me to try to gain no more than 20-25 lbs total for the entire pregnancy. She said it would be ideal if I didn't gain anything at all until 20w because most women "pop" around then and at that point I would probably gain significant weight without even trying. My weight has been stable so far and that has had no effect on the baby, who is growing on track. So while it sounds like it's worth trying to get in some extra calories, I wouldn't worry too much unless the baby itself is measuring small.

monimu13 · January 2014

I've only gained 12 lbs so far at 24 weeks with twins and that counts regaining the 5 lbs I lost in the beginning. My babies weights/growth are right on track and nobody has mentioned anything to me about my weight yet. I wouldn't worry so much as long as baby is looking good

BBColt78 · January 2014

I guess all OBs are different, but I also didn't gain much with DD #1. I gained 4lbs by my 20 week appointment and 19 by the time I had the baby. Right now I've gained two.

If they are measuring your uterus with a measuring tape on your stomach, they can tell if baby is measuring correctly. You will have your a/s or level two coming soon, right? That's when you will really tell how baby is doing and my bet is he/she will be just fine.

Edit: I'm 5'10" and weigh 145 prepregnancy. It's important to know starting weight when discussing gaining.

cinnamonrollcupcake · January 2014

Thank you all for the reassurance and suggestions! I started out at a healthy weight pre-pregnancy and at my last appointment a month ago had only gained 1 pound and they had said that was fine. So I guess I was just a little surprised when they told me this time around that 3-4 pounds wasn't enough weight gain for how far along I am. I have my anatomy scan in a week so hopefully that will reassure me that baby is measuring on track and that there's nothing to worry about. Just so hard to think about eating when I'm not hungry!

monimu13 · January 2014

Lately I have problems being hungry bc Im running out of room for food to fit in...do the best you can

Mrs.AmyDylan · January 2014

Lurking from SAIF...I followed the Brewer Diet. It is all about counting grams of protein and eating foods from the rights groups. Good luck!

FutureMrsW9 · January 2014

I wouldn't stress about it AT ALL. My OB told me she only thought I should gain 10-15 lbs my whole pregnancy, I shot her the stink eye and moved on over to the m/w practice - they said 15-25, which makes a lot more sense - I just think doctors are weird about weight pregnant or not. I have the same due date as you, and I haven't gained a single ounce. I'm actually still down 5-6lbs from where I started and I haven't gained any back yet. I had a m/w appt on Saturday and they weren't concerned at this point. My boobs and belly are growing growing growing, so it's beyond me how I haven't gained any weight yet. My uterus is actually all the way up to my belly button already, and I'm 5'10, which given my size is actually a little early for that to happen, so I know all is just fine in there! Honestly, if I were you I would just continue to eat what you feel comfortable and healthy with - as long as you're not starving yourself I'm sure you'll be just fine. Maybe add an extra scoop of whatever you're having for dinner if you feel you need too. I think our bodies and baby will tell us when we need something, which is why I'm not concerned about my 0 weight gain and you shouldn't be concerned either. Edit: You also don't want to eat all this extra food just to have it be fat weight gain and not pregnancy weight gain, that's not healthy either. As long a baby is measuring on track that's all that matters. I don't think what's happening is uncommon at all, especially for FTMs.

KRoseToes · January 2014

You've received plenty of good advice, but just wanted to add my experience to it! I'm pregnant with twins and weight gain was really emphasized. I actually lost weight in the beginning (and didn't even have morning sickness.) I was told I needed to gain more weight, so I started drinking Carnation instant breakfast right before bed. Instead of skim milk, we switched to 1-2%. At Starbucks I went from skinny lattes to the regular orders. DH started putting extra butter in everything he cooked and even put butter (in addition to other condiments) on my sandwiches. I was able to gain 11 pounds in a month to get back on track. At my last appointment, my weight gain had slowed and I hadn't gained quite as much as they recommend for twin pregnancies (1.5-2 pounds a week), but the doctor wasn't concerned because the babies were actually measuring in a much higher percentile than they need to be at this point. Your weight gain will fluctuate throughout the pregnancy, but the important thing is the baby size. So try to add a few extra calories in now, but don't stress too much until your scan and you see what that baby is looking like!

sarah_beth2005 · January 2014

I think every doctor has something different to say about recommended weight gain - even within the same practice! I go to a large OB/GYN practice, and every doctor I've seen has recommended something different!! I'm expecting twins, so on average I'm supposed to be gaining at least a pound a week. So far I've been able to do that, but I've really had to work at it. It helped that I didn't have morning sickness during my first tri. I'm constantly hungry, but I've always been a nibbler, so snacking throughout the day is nothing new for me. I've just changed the type of snacks I eat. I have cereal for breakfast, oatmeal once I get to work as a mid-morning snack, lunch (usually soup or leftovers), a handful of almonds or cashews about an hour after lunch (which has helped me stay awake past the 2pm slump I usually feel), goldfish crackers and a fruit cup or peanut butter on graham crackers for a late afternoon snack, dinner, and some kind of ice cream dessert. So far I'm right on track - I'll be 18 weeks in 2 days, and have gained 18 1/2 pounds! It's hard to be more conscious about what I eat, so that I eat more high-calorie snacks (but not junk food). I think I eat about one more snack each day that I did pre-pregnancy, but my snacks are much more substantial (ie, oatmeal instead of just a 90 cal granola bar). So long as your baby is measuring within a healthy range, that's all that matters at the end of the day.

FutureMrsW9 · January 2014

@KRoseToes said:

You've received plenty of good advice, but just wanted to add my experience to it! I'm pregnant with twins and weight gain was really emphasized. I actually lost weight in the beginning (and didn't even have morning sickness.) I was told I needed to gain more weight, so I started drinking Carnation instant breakfast right before bed. Instead of skim milk, we switched to 1-2%. At Starbucks I went from skinny lattes to the regular orders. DH started putting extra butter in everything he cooked and even put butter (in addition to other condiments) on my sandwiches. I was able to gain 11 pounds in a month to get back on track. At my last appointment, my weight gain had slowed and I hadn't gained quite as much as they recommend for twin pregnancies (1.5-2 pounds a week), but the doctor wasn't concerned because the babies were actually measuring in a much higher percentile than they need to be at this point. Your weight gain will fluctuate throughout the pregnancy, but the important thing is the baby size. So try to add a few extra calories in now, but don't stress too much until your scan and you see what that baby is looking like!

Did they say adding all of that in was healthy? I could see changing from skim to regular milk or adding in a snack, but I just can't see how adding butter to everything is good for you or the babies. Then again, I'm not a doctor so what do I know, but that seems extreme! Was that a suggestion by your doctor - I'm just curious. God bless you girl! Wow!

FutureMrsW9 · January 2014

Sorry I'm blowing up your post but I keep thinking of things! I've actually added a ton of nuts and avocado into my diet. The nuts because I saw the new study on how pregnant women who eat nuts at least 5 time a week are 70% less likely to have babies with allergies - I eat about 1/2 a cup during the day at work. And the avocado because #1 it's a super healthy fat with lots of calories AND #2 it's awesome because since it is fat it's one of the best things you can eat for baby's brain development! I've been eating at least 1/2 an avocado, if not the whole thing, along with my dinner every night for the past week even if it didn't really go with my meal haha. Granted, I still haven't put on weight, but it's a great nutritious alternative to get some fat and calories if you don't want to do it with empty foods.

KRoseToes · January 2014

FutureMrsW9 said:

@KRoseToes said:

You've received plenty of good advice, but just wanted to add my experience to it! I'm pregnant with twins and weight gain was really emphasized. I actually lost weight in the beginning (and didn't even have morning sickness.) I was told I needed to gain more weight, so I started drinking Carnation instant breakfast right before bed. Instead of skim milk, we switched to 1-2%. At Starbucks I went from skinny lattes to the regular orders. DH started putting extra butter in everything he cooked and even put butter (in addition to other condiments) on my sandwiches. I was able to gain 11 pounds in a month to get back on track. At my last appointment, my weight gain had slowed and I hadn't gained quite as much as they recommend for twin pregnancies (1.5-2 pounds a week), but the doctor wasn't concerned because the babies were actually measuring in a much higher percentile than they need to be at this point. Your weight gain will fluctuate throughout the pregnancy, but the important thing is the baby size. So try to add a few extra calories in now, but don't stress too much until your scan and you see what that baby is looking like!

Did they say adding all of that in was healthy? I could see changing from skim to regular milk or adding in a snack, but I just can't see how adding butter to everything is good for you or the babies. Then again, I'm not a doctor so what do I know, but that seems extreme! Was that a suggestion by your doctor - I'm just curious. God bless you girl! Wow!

Yes - adding in butter to already healthy, well-balanced food was approved by my doctor. Plus, it was recommended in one of the bibles for twin pregnancy - the book, When You're Expecting Twins, Triplets, or Quads. It helped me get in those extra calories which is difficult when you're already eating enough healthy food to be full. All that being said - I am a pretty healthy person and was at a healthy weight before I got pregnant. I have good cholesterol, low blood pressure, etc. And a multiples pregnancy is a little different than a singleton pregnancy. Of course, my experience and solutions may not work for everyone (especially if you already are eating a diet with a lot of butter, etc. in it.) But I thought I would share my experience!

megs3084 · January 2014

KRoseToes said:

FutureMrsW9 said:

@KRoseToes said:

You've received plenty of good advice, but just wanted to add my experience to it! I'm pregnant with twins and weight gain was really emphasized. I actually lost weight in the beginning (and didn't even have morning sickness.) I was told I needed to gain more weight, so I started drinking Carnation instant breakfast right before bed. Instead of skim milk, we switched to 1-2%. At Starbucks I went from skinny lattes to the regular orders. DH started putting extra butter in everything he cooked and even put butter (in addition to other condiments) on my sandwiches. I was able to gain 11 pounds in a month to get back on track. At my last appointment, my weight gain had slowed and I hadn't gained quite as much as they recommend for twin pregnancies (1.5-2 pounds a week), but the doctor wasn't concerned because the babies were actually measuring in a much higher percentile than they need to be at this point. Your weight gain will fluctuate throughout the pregnancy, but the important thing is the baby size. So try to add a few extra calories in now, but don't stress too much until your scan and you see what that baby is looking like!

Did they say adding all of that in was healthy? I could see changing from skim to regular milk or adding in a snack, but I just can't see how adding butter to everything is good for you or the babies. Then again, I'm not a doctor so what do I know, but that seems extreme! Was that a suggestion by your doctor - I'm just curious. God bless you girl! Wow!

Yes - adding in butter to already healthy, well-balanced food was approved by my doctor. Plus, it was recommended in one of the bibles for twin pregnancy - the book, When You're Expecting Twins, Triplets, or Quads. It helped me get in those extra calories which is difficult when you're already eating enough healthy food to be full. All that being said - I am a pretty healthy person and was at a healthy weight before I got pregnant. I have good cholesterol, low blood pressure, etc. And a multiples pregnancy is a little different than a singleton pregnancy. Of course, my experience and solutions may not work for everyone (especially if you already are eating a diet with a lot of butter, etc. in it.) But I thought I would share my experience!

I read this book too. Glad I have it since I've actually started to unintentionally lose weight. There's just no room for food in this belly lol.

BzeetyD · January 2014

I'm 36w1d and I've only gained 13lbs this whole pregnancy and started off with a healthy BMI/weight.

At each of my OB appointments after 16w, I brought up my lack of gain and was told that it was OK because the baby and I have been measuring on track. And I trust my OB.

We did discover at 28weeks that I have gestational diabetes and a rarer symptom of GD is "lack of weight gain" - so you might find that you too have GD. I didn't have any of the normal risk factors besides being over 25. GD typically carries a risk of having a large baby. In cases like mine the GD makes your body use its own fat reserves, thus making weight gain difficult even if you're eating extras.

Since the GD diagnosis, and the lack of weight gain, we had a growth ultrasound at 33w and our LO was measuring in the 47% percentile, which is totally average. Now with the GD I have to watch my diet carefully and will likely not gain much more weight (besides the weight that the actual baby is putting on) because I have to limit my carb intake, so I can't beef up with normal calorie laden food choices.

It is frustrating at times because everyone I see says that I don't look pregnant at all besides in my belly. There have been comments about "you must not be as far along as you say you are" (Huh?) and "you're hiding this pregnancy well" (WTF???) Other women have been a bit jokingly catty towards me and said "I hate you for not being all swollen." They don't realize there's a medical reason that this is happening.

I'm not really in control but things are looking good for the baby and that's the main issue.

Try not to worry about it and perhaps you'll get back on track later on in your PG.

JennyS86 · January 2014

I hope that all of the responses have given you some perspective that each pregnancy and body is different! My experience (with morning sickness), is that I am finally back to my prepregnancy weight! 135lbs at 5'7" I am eating frequently and increasing calories, and I look and feel like I should have gained more weight than I actually have.
You are right that each OB is different: for example, my OB frowned at me when I gained 6lbs in 4 weeks, but as I mentioned earlier - I only just now matched my pre-preg weight! oh yeah, with Twins. I wanted to tell him that this wight gain was intentional, but I didn't really get a word in with him (good Dr, not the best bedside manner

Happy Eating!

cinnamonrollcupcake · January 2014

Thank you for all of your insights! Hoping baby will be measuring on track at next week's ultrasound.

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