Realistic Weight Gain... AW?

meritsamomma · April 2014

Total apologies if this belongs elsewhere but I went through 10 pages of posts and couldn't find the topic...

In talking to mom's I know, the average weight gain over the course of their pregnancy has been 40-60lbs. Just wondering how all you other mommas are doing with this?

Personally my midwife is driving me crazy at every appt. even though I'm walking every day and I eat a really healthy diet I've put on 40lbs at 31 wks. It's all boobs and belly though...

What are your experiences with this? Just wanted to give a place to vent for anyone who's following their advice and still gaining!

TheMrs820 · April 2014

I am 5'2" an have gained 28 lbs in 34 weeks. My OB said I am doing well, but a Nurse Practitioner told me to watch it.

I agree with BrightEyes112. We just need to do our best to be healthy and make the right decisions regarding diet and exercise, but we are all human & all different!

sparklenshine_89 · April 2014

I just figure that we're all gonna gain some weight... am I right?? My advice, from experience, would be to not keep it all afterward

katekat8721 · April 2014

If you're eating well, exercising (to your best ability) and taking care of yourself then you're really doing all you can.

Tell the MW to shove it.

https://media.giphy.com/media/TbSPeUWjSY2ys/giphy.gif

curlylocks3 · April 2014

If you're making overall healthy choices, you're just going to gain at whatever rate or in whatever areas your body sort of decides on. Try not to compare to what everyone else is gaining, it will only make you crazy.

temursgirl · April 2014

I've always been suspicious of the "average" weight gain. I mean, there are so many variables such as body type, pre-pregnancy size, regular fluctuations, etc. I would say that if your care provider is concerned, ask why. Does she just think you shouldn't gain that much because it will be hard to lose, or is she concerned it will put you at risk for complications?

efino87 · April 2014

With my first pregnancy I lost almost 20 lbs, then gained 40lbs by week 35. With this pregnancy I lost 4lbs and gained 15lbs so far. Every pregnancy is different. As long as you make mostly healthy eating choices (coming from the person who ate enough McD's for lunch to feed a small village

) and you're both healthy, its nothing to get really stressed about.

meritsamomma · April 2014

Thank you ladies... I had to post because it's been the past 4 visits and it's beginning to make me paranoid! The practice I go to has 11 midwives on staff and this is the 2nd I've seen. I was told I would likely have another depending on the delivery date so I've been just rolling with it for now but DH can't stand her. I figured there were probably some other mommas out there hearing the "normal" weight gain lecture!
I feel great and everything's measuring properly and negative on the GD test so I figure it's simply the way my body is going to do this!

curlylocks3 · April 2014

FWIW the GD test is really not related to weight gain. Just sayin.

MrsRahl · April 2014

I'm 5'4, just lost 40 lbs before I was pregnant, and gained it all back plus 10 and I still have 7 more weeks to go. My doctor told me several times she is completely fine with it and the rate I'm gaining. I think they are more concerned with not gaining enough verses maybe a little too much. I think part of my major weight gain is the fact that I lost 40 trying really hard right before pregnancy and when I couldn't exercise as easily any more and stopped eat artificial sweeteners (I know scold me now!) it crept back up very easily. I've always had to struggle to keep my weight down, so this weight gain was no surprise. Just going to get back to the jogging grind when baby is here.

meritsamomma · April 2014

curlylocks3 said:
FWIW the GD test is really not related to weight gain. Just sayin.

I only mentioned it because she noted in my file I was a high risk for GD because she seems to believe I'm eating tons of garbage.

In reality I was on a limited diet for health reasons (IBS) pre-pregnancy which cut out dairy and most fats. The pregnancy has put my IBS on hiatus so I've been able to drink milk and other foods which I wasn't able to before... I think that is attributing more than anything!

curlylocks3 · April 2014

meritmacalpine said:

curlylocks3 said:
FWIW the GD test is really not related to weight gain. Just sayin.
I only mentioned it because she noted in my file I was a high risk for GD because she seems to believe I'm eating tons of garbage.

In reality I was on a limited diet for health reasons (IBS) pre-pregnancy which cut out dairy and most fats. The pregnancy has put my IBS on hiatus so I've been able to drink milk and other foods which I wasn't able to before... I think that is attributing more than anything!

Then apparently both you and your care provider missed the memo that what you eat doesn't cause it either. Insulin resistance is almost always genetic, and beyond your control.

BMaidPlanner · April 2014

I was overweight before pregnancy, Doc says it looks like I am gaining about a pound a week and that is normal. I had to ask her about it too, she has never brought it up as a concern.

I found this online which seems interesting:

https://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/aboutpregweightgain.html

meritsamomma · April 2014

@nelleebelle‌ and @curlylocks3‌
Totally didn't mean any sort of insult and/or claim to know causes of any medical condition. Truly hope you know I'm just referring to what this particular midwife is saying to me about my weight gain and my frustration with her not listening to me.
I appreciate all of the feedback from the ladies on this board! We're all going through this process together and the support here is wonderful! Please excuse my ignorance and do not mistake anything I say to be based in reality

>-

rainbowdashh · April 2014

I didn't gain anything until 20 weeks and now at 31, I've gained 20 pounds. So 20 pounds in 11 weeks. At first I was told to gain and now it's too much. Honestly, I cry before every appt knowing I have to get on the scale and be told I've gained too much. My husband just took the scale and hid it. I'm trying to eat as healthily as I can, I walk, I chase a toddler around. It is what it is and stressing over it isn't going to help. Just keep doing what you're doing, and even though it's incredibly hard, try to not let it get to you.

The OB I had with my first told me "aim for 30 pounds, anything after that is just for you". I miss her!

tbmadeamistake · April 2014

So far I've gained almost 40lbs with this pregnancy. With C, my total weight gain was 65lbs. I'm underweight when I'm not pregnant, and have spent the last 20 years of my life getting yelled at by every doctor I have ever seen for not weighing enough, despite eating well over the advised caloric intake for my size. It is what it is. This time, when my OB started to bring up my weight gain in a "you might want to slow down" kind of way, I laid it on the line. I told him that after years of being in trouble for not being able to gain, I wasn't about to get in trouble for gaining too much on essentially the same diet, simply because I'm growing a human. Not so much. If this is how my body reacts to pregnancy, then great. He shut up about it and no one at the practice has so much as peeped about my weight gain since then. Stand up for yourself, be honest, and if she doesn't stop then ask to see another doctor.

emandjp · April 2014

I've gained 20lbs at almost 31 weeks with this pregnancy and with my first pregnancy I gained 16lbs total. As previous posters have said, every person and every pregnancy is different, just make healthy choices!

Taymiller · April 2014

31 pounds in 31 weeks. My doc mentioned it at week 28 but there is nothing I can do now so I am trying not to stress about it.

mercy0606 · April 2014

I am 31 weeks and have gained 16 pounds- most of it in last 12 weeks. I am eating everything in sight, but I do indulge when I want to.. Have been doing yoga, free weights, and walking, but nothing crazy! I simply hope the baby is getting what he needs.

JmeJoLee83 · April 2014

I feel like I may just not look at the scale tomorrow during my weigh in. Do I really want to know what the numbers are? Not so much. I end up feeling really down afterwards so wish me luck.

TS&2xLS · April 2014

I've gained 4kg in 32 weeks. I think that's about 9 pounds? Although I am not sure. I don't know if it's because this is my 3rd pregnancy, but they haven't even weighed me since my first appointment.. Strange, I might bring it up at my next app!

izzetoot · April 2014

Im almost 35 wks and have only gained 25 pounds BUT I have changed my diet so drastically that Ive probably lost about 10 and gained about 35. So consider that as you assess your 'number'.

And I agree with PPs as long as you and baby are healthy don't fret over what the scale says focus more on how you feel and enjoy the last stretch of guilt free weight gain!

irenewslee · April 2014

Speaking of weight gain... I gained 7lbs in the last 3 weeks and I was really shocked. Given that I have gotten pretty swollen lately, my OB isn't too concerned about the weight gain. However this has been a very sensitive topic for me and I got pretty emotional over it. Tonight my hubby decided to joke about it and called me fat. I had a total melt down and I am pretty sure I will not be talking to him for awhile... I know he doesn't know what it feels like to put on so much weight in a short period of time but I expect him to at least be a little more sensitive.

Sorry ladies... Totally off subject but I just needed to vent...

MissBHaven1024 · April 2014

Every body is definitely different and will gain what it needs. I've noticed that most FTM's gain the most in that pregnancy, than they do in pregnancies that come after. That was also the case with me. DD#1 was 42lbs gained, DD#2 was 32lbs gained, and this pregnancy I have gained 22lbs and will be 34 weeks on Saturday.

I wouldn't stress too much about your weight gain as long as you are being mindful of the things you are eating and making a decent effort to get some exercise in throughout your day.

cristykaye · April 2014

Just remember the doc HAS to set a goal weight. If they didn't we would all prolly eat cake and ice cream everyday. As long as you are healthy that's all that matters. And your MW is prolly staying on you for your own good. Not that 60 is to much but so that you are watching what you eat and do stay healthy.

Susanrush13 · April 2014

As all the pp's have said, everyone is different. I put on around 35lbs in the first 30 weeks of pregnancy but between 31 and 33 weeks I lost a pound. If you would've asked me, I've been less active and not been as mindful of my diet so maybe it's just my body adjusting.

Point is our bodies grow at the rate in which our babies need us to. As long as you aren't cruising through the drive thru once a day and you are active/staying hydrated, it'll come off when the babe is here as you return to your normal diet/activity level.

mrscbrad · April 2014

Beyonce gained 50 pounds with her pregnancy so there's that. I'm totally not worried about weight gain. It is what it is. That being said I was a normal weight pre-pregnancy and not at risk for pre-e. If there is a medical reason to worry that's one thing, but I say don't worry too much about it if it's just vanity pounds. Jillian Michaels will fix whatever needs fixing when this baby gets here.

FutureMrsW9 · April 2014

I hate these weight conversations. Some OBs and MWs these days are just so unrealistic. How can there be a "norm" if there isn't a "norm" body type - we're all completely different! As long as you and the baby are healthy, I wouldn't worry about it.

ChristineBaker23 · April 2014

I am 5 foot 5 and weighed 130 when I got pregnant. I weigh 190 right now at 34 weeks which is 60 pounds. With my first I gained 60 also. One of the nurses that checked my weight in the first pregnancy would always comment and suggest I not eat so much dairy, pasta, sweets etc none of which I was eating much of. This time I tried really hard to keep my weight down then bam ten pounds in one month. I finally asked my doc if he was concerned. He said in his experience your body is gonna do what your body is gonna do and he once had a 100 lb woman gain 80 lbs with each of her three pregnancy and then go right back to 100. After hearing that I felt a lot better about my weight and stopped being so hard on myself about what I eat. As long as it is not affecting the health of your baby or yourself you're fine. You can be skinny next year.

flerlgirl · April 2014

krptcmschfmkr128 said:

cristykaye said:

Just remember the doc HAS to set a goal weight. If they didn't we would all prolly eat cake and ice cream everyday. As long as you are healthy that's all that matters. And your MW is prolly staying on you for your own good. Not that 60 is to much but so that you are watching what you eat and do stay healthy.

No, your doctor doesn't have to set a "goal weight." Especially since many women are going to put on a ton of water weight due to swelling towards the end of our pregnancies that can make up for some crazy weight fluctuations.

But it's unrealistic not to have some kind of numbers/measurements in mind. Not that you have to stick to those numbers or else, but it makes sense to give someone a range of healthy numbers as long as you adjust for their individual situation, IMO. There is no need for weight shaming ever and I don't agree that every woman will fit every number. But it's kind of like a growth chart for babies in that they have to measure it somehow.

flerlgirl · April 2014

krptcmschfmkr128 said:

flerlgirl said:

krptcmschfmkr128 said:

cristykaye said:

Just remember the doc HAS to set a goal weight. If they didn't we would all prolly eat cake and ice cream everyday. As long as you are healthy that's all that matters. And your MW is prolly staying on you for your own good. Not that 60 is to much but so that you are watching what you eat and do stay healthy.

No, your doctor doesn't have to set a "goal weight." Especially since many women are going to put on a ton of water weight due to swelling towards the end of our pregnancies that can make up for some crazy weight fluctuations.

But it's unrealistic not to have some kind of numbers/measurements in mind. Not that you have to stick to those numbers or else, but it makes sense to give someone a range of healthy numbers as long as you adjust for their individual situation, IMO. There is no need for weight shaming ever and I don't agree that every woman will fit every number. But it's kind of like a growth chart for babies in that they have to measure it somehow.

I don't know. I feel like telling a woman she should gain "XX" amount of weight sets a woman up for more harm than good. You could have a woman who feels like she is gaining too much weight, and therefore not eat enough. Or a woman who feels like she isn't gaining enough, and therefore overeats.

It seems like it would be a much better method to tell a woman she could gain anywhere from 10 lbs to 80lbs, and as long as she's following certain guidelines of eating/exercise habits, she's fine.

So there you go - giving a range is a good idea.

curlylocks3 · April 2014

krptcmschfmkr128 said:

cristykaye said:

Just remember the doc HAS to set a goal weight. If they didn't we would all prolly eat cake and ice cream everyday. As long as you are healthy that's all that matters. And your MW is prolly staying on you for your own good. Not that 60 is to much but so that you are watching what you eat and do stay healthy.

No, your doctor doesn't have to set a "goal weight." Especially since many women are going to put on a ton of water weight due to swelling towards the end of our pregnancies that can make up for some crazy weight fluctuations.

I thought they normally gave a range? Obviously there will be exceptions to it but it's not like they pull out those numbers for no reason or that research hasn't been done to indicate what a healthy weight gain should be.

ChristineBaker23 · April 2014

cristykaye said:
Just remember the doc HAS to set a goal weight. If they didn't we would all prolly eat cake and ice cream everyday. As long as you are healthy that's all that matters. And your MW is prolly staying on you for your own good. Not that 60 is to much but so that you are watching what you eat and do stay healthy.

I don't usually comment on things like this but seriously, prolly is not a word. I can't even take this comment seriously right now. Oh and I have at least one bowl of ice cream every day, sometimes two. It calms my heartburn. And my doc never set a goal weight for me, actually didn't bring it up till I asked.

ChristineBaker23 · April 2014

lizardbreath14 said:

ChristineBaker23 said:

cristykaye said:
Just remember the doc HAS to set a goal weight. If they didn't we would all prolly eat cake and ice cream everyday. As long as you are healthy that's all that matters. And your MW is prolly staying on you for your own good. Not that 60 is to much but so that you are watching what you eat and do stay healthy.
I don't usually comment on things like this but seriously, prolly is not a word. I can't even take this comment seriously right now. Oh and I have at least one bowl of ice cream every day, sometimes two. It calms my heartburn. And my doc never set a goal weight for me, actually didn't bring it up till I asked.

Wow, that was unnecessarily snobby. I'm pretty sure she knows that "prolly" is not a word. Just like we all know that "vag" isn't a word, "ute" is not a word, and "ermagerd" is not a word. It's just a casual way of conversing with a board full of acquaintances.

Vag and ute are abbreviations and ermagerd is used in a light hearted joking manner. If you are making a serious statement I feel it's best to use real words. Just a personal preference I guess. That's all I'm going to say about it though. I don't wish to start a post war.

katekat8721 · April 2014

I didn't even notice the prolly lol

https://media3.giphy.com/media/fKO3LF3DYpxpm/giphy.gif

IDGAF isn't a word either, but it's fun to type.

izzetoot · April 2014

irenewslee said:

Speaking of weight gain... I gained 7lbs in the last 3 weeks and I was really shocked. Given that I have gotten pretty swollen lately, my OB isn't too concerned about the weight gain. However this has been a very sensitive topic for me and I got pretty emotional over it. Tonight my hubby decided to joke about it and called me fat. I had a total melt down and I am pretty sure I will not be talking to him for awhile... I know he doesn't know what it feels like to put on so much weight in a short period of time but I expect him to at least be a little more sensitive. Sorry ladies... Totally off subject but I just needed to vent...

That deserves an 'accidental' kick to the balls in the middle of the night if you ask me. Then he can groan about how you don't know what its like to be kicked in the nuts and ya'll can bond over the experience of being sensitive to each others feelings...

celticbiohazard · April 2014

It wouldn't be women's health if someone wasn't harping on our weight, would it?

I kid. But you know what I mean. Count me in as someone who's gaining more than you might expect given my diet and exercise routine (although my weight is still in an ok range). So far, my baby is super duper healthy so I am trying to focus on that. And trying to re-focus my struggles with my body image toward positive behaviors, rather than negative feelings.

And like you, although I keep getting hammered with the "25-35" range, I haven't actually met too many women, in person, who fell within this range (and the ones I have talked to about it make up a range of body types). I assume the number comes from from somewhere, but as PPs have said... it's really not the number that's going to make a difference in the end.

What annoyed me was when I had a quick burst of weight gain (ironically, after I had finally stopped craving burritos and had gone back to having salads for lunch), my midwife said something to me about cookies and other sweets. Which I really don't eat very much of, at all. I hate the whole turning it into "You must be doing something wrong."

Sounds like you're doing everything right. Vent away, but try not to let it bother you! I'm right there with you.

jshrop · April 2014

I'm loving all my bumpie bitches. As for the original issue, I've gained about 40 lbs since getting pregnant. I'm holding steady. A good friend of mine who is super fit and healthy gained anywhere from 45-70 lbs during each of her 4 pregnancies. Her last one was 60 lbs and she taught spin classes the day she went into labor. She also ran a half marathon 12 weeks PP. So lbs =/= health, even when you're not pregnant. Sooooo stahp worrying!!!!! Just make sure you get fruits, veggies, and proteins! ** disclaimer: I am not a doctor, if you're concerned about health speak with your physician or a registered dietician.

cristykaye · April 2014

krptcmschfmkr128 said:

cristykaye said:

Just remember the doc HAS to set a goal weight. If they didn't we would all prolly eat cake and ice cream everyday. As long as you are healthy that's all that matters. And your MW is prolly staying on you for your own good. Not that 60 is to much but so that you are watching what you eat and do stay healthy.

No, your doctor doesn't have to set a "goal weight." Especially since many women are going to put on a ton of water weight due to swelling towards the end of our pregnancies that can make up for some crazy weight fluctuations.

Well I didn't mean that they will specifically say "you can only gain 25lbs". What I mean is that it is a generic standard. They know every woman is different.

CherSomething · April 2014

When I got to 30lbs gained, I stopped looking at the scale. I turn my back now when I'm weighed... Maybe I'll look when I'm closer to my due date out of morbid curiosity. I just know nothings going to change in my life as a result of that scale so why bother knowing, it's only going to upset me.

I eat Ok.. I eat a lot of healthy food, but I also eat a lot of crap.. And my focus is on school right now so my free time is spent hitting the books not the gym.

My midwives and the nurse who weighs me has never once told me to change a thing, accuse me of garbage diet habits, or anything of the like. I feel badly for those of you who get shamed at your appointments. I feel like they should know better. Not everyone who gains weight during pregnancy is habitually over indulging or "letting themselves go."

JelloBean1 · April 2014

meritmacalpine said:

FWIW the GD test is really not related to weight gain. Just sayin.
I only mentioned it because she noted in my file I was a high risk for GD because she seems to believe I'm eating tons of garbage. In reality I was on a limited diet for health reasons (IBS) pre-pregnancy which cut out dairy and most fats. The pregnancy has put my IBS on hiatus so I've been able to drink milk and other foods which I wasn't able to before... I think that is attributing more than anything!

Same here...I've had IBS/lactose intolerance for years, but with the pregnancy I found I can eat as much pizza, froyo, cheese, etc. as I want and not get sick, which I'm sure has contributed to my 40 lbs gain in 32 weeks. I see a group of doctors at my OB practice and only one has told me to stop gaining weight, the others weren't concerned. I think it depends on the doctor, some are more "by the book" than others.

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Realistic Weight Gain... AW?

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