Weight gain at 17 weeks

Nesa904 · May 2014

I'm 17 weeks pregnant and have gained 11 pounds so far.. I thought that it wasn't bad because I have read by this point weight gain should be around 5 to 10 pounds. My doctor warned me that my weight was going up quickly and it's really bothering me, I'm extremely sensitive about my weight.. I did start out a bit overweight but didn't think I was over gaining... Any thoughts?

Mnerani · May 2014

I'd say the most important thing in this situation is that you tell your doctor that you're very sensitive about your weight and the s/he shouldn't discuss it with you unless there are real medical concerns.

I was still recovering from an eating disorder during my first pregnancy (I was several years in remission but still vulnerable to negative thoughts) and was very clear with the doctor that I didn't want to know the numbers on the scale (I weighed-in backwards) and that he wasn't to bring it up unless it was a medical concern. He respected this and it was an important part of staying mentally healthy for me.

You might ask why s/he is concerned and then voice your request that any talk of your weight be reserved for situations in which s/he is truly concerned that your health or the baby's health is compromised.

Emmy916 · May 2014

Every doctor is different - my doctor is concerned and brings up every time that I'm not gaining enough weight. From when I saw her at 8 weeks I went from 120-124 (however from the start of pregnancy I went from 110-124) and she knows this. I was at a healthy BMI of 24 so I shouldn't be expected to gain more than the normal 25-30 lbs. However, she feels like 14lbs at this point isn't enough.

As long as you are being healthy, eating right, and not overdoing it - I wouldn't be concerned.

rlyttle · May 2014

Emmy916 said:

Every doctor is different - my doctor is concerned and brings up every time that I'm not gaining enough weight. From when I saw her at 8 weeks I went from 120-124 (however from the start of pregnancy I went from 110-124) and she knows this. I was at a healthy BMI of 24 so I shouldn't be expected to gain more than the normal 25-30 lbs. However, she feels like 14lbs at this point isn't enough.

As long as you are being healthy, eating right, and not overdoing it - I wouldn't be concerned.

I've only gained 5lbs at 19 weeks and my doctor said that was perfect. I'm 5'10" and started at 145. 14 lbs at 21 weeks sounds just fine to me.

BethieBug · May 2014

11 pounds is not a lot at all. Be happy and don't stress about it. I, personally, would probably pick another doctor. That's a pretty insensitive thing to say, especially since you only gained 11 pounds by week 17. I am sure that you are beautiful and should be glowing at his happy time instead of dealing with feelings of hurt feelings. Your feelings are valid and you should respect them.

Dani0329 · May 2014

@Mnerani I love the idea of stepping on backwards, thank you for the tip. I have been agonizing over the scale going up and feeling down when it changed even by 5 pounds. I know it was irrational, but I had worked so hard to be at my ideal weight and it was hard to see that go. I will be asking the doctor to only discuss weight with me if there is a problem. THANK YOU!

Cchewning · May 2014

With ds I had only gained 4 lbs when I was 20 or so weeks, then in one month I gained 6 and the next I gained 10! At that apt I remember by OB telling me to stop gaining weight and I was nearing too much weight. At that point I had only gained 20lbs at 30 weeks. I was SO upset because I'm also sensitive to weight issues, I feel like staying thin is a constant battle for me, and I'm pretty healthy and active. I'm 5'8" and started that pregnancy at 135lbs. The following apt I saw a different Dr who I asked about my weight and ended up crying to him lol. He said it would make him happy to see me gain another 10lbs. THAT would be healthy. I think every Dr has a different opinion about everything. I agree you should ask for them to not discuss your weight, I plan to do that this time!

Acoyston · May 2014

I am by no means an expert but I think your fine from what I have read everyone gains differently don't compare to others I to am freaking out about weight gain I will be 17 weeks on Saturday and I have gained 8 pounds and I think that is a lot but as long as your healthy and making good choices it shouldn't matter !!! Be good to yourself and baby !!!

VGee · May 2014

I started out this pregnancy overweight and have GD with this LO so my eating habits have changed since I got my BFP, I've gained a total of 4 pounds at 27 weeks. I thought my Dr. would say it's too low, but they just did the first size estimate and baby is measuring on the big side. My first pregnancy (many moons ago) I gained 40 pounds and had a 9lb 3oz baby. My last pregnancy I gained about 10 and had a 9lb 2oz baby!

Don't stress. Make mostly good choices and enjoy your pregnancy!

Justabean3 · May 2014

https://www.baby2see.com/pregnancy_weight_calculator.html

Low,average and high gain by week based on your starting weight

snippymcphail · May 2014

I went from being a very active health and fitness professional to having my activity cut significantly by the OB during the first three months. I'm up 22 lbs at 16 weeks and the OB isn't blinking at it. We've discussed it and he says it's fine just deal with it after baby comes. It's more important to eat healthy and not cut your calories now. Seriously... Get a new OB.

runningmama22 · May 2014

@snippymcphail‌ similar situation here. Part time fitness professional and avid MMA student... Gained 13-14 lbs already at 14 weeks and Dr hasn't expressed concern. I dislike that I gained this much... But he just says "you were so tiny before, your body needs it". OP I would talk to a different OB even in the same practice if you don't want to go through the whole process of switching groups...

Sweetiepops · May 2014

My pregnancy book says you should gain 10-13 pounds by 18 weeks, so 11 at 17 weeks sounds perfect! I don't know about being overweight to begin with though. I was an average weight to begin with and at 18 weeks I have gained exactly 13 lbs, so I was feeling ok about that! I agree with @theresat858, you should ask how much you should gain overall.

gallegosdc · May 2014

I'm loving all these answers. I'm up 5lbs total (17 weeks) and my OB gave me crap for it because the weight gain was in 4 weeks. I was actually really happy with the number because with DD by 18 weeks I was up 12lbs. I didn't gain any weight my first trimester because I was so sick and then once I was hungry again, I ate...bc I was hungry from the last 3 months! LOL The OB I had with DD never harrassed me about my weight and I gained 45lbs. In hindsight, she probably should of gotten on my case about my weight bc I didn't make good eating choices. With this pregnancy, I eat pretty well minus the nightly ice cream and a little chocolate here and there. I'm exercising daily so I'm not concerned at all. Every OB is so different. Maybe I'll scale my ice cream back to 3x a week, hehe.. You are fine at 11lbs that seems to be normal.

bohemianlc · May 2014

I think that sounds pretty standard, but I agree with PPs that you should voice your concern. Tell him that the books you have read indicate that's pretty normal, so you're wondering why that would be a problem. It's always good to ask questions so you don't start worrying yourself crazy or sick (speaking from experience).

Sometimes doctors can say things in a manner that isn't all that sensitive (not saying that's okay, but it is what it is). He may have just been telling you that to ensure that you know that your weight gain is on the higher end of what's normal so you don't turn into one of those girls who washes down every meal with a milkshake- LOL. It doesn't mean he thinks you're getting fat. I'm very sensitive, too, so I completely understand you worrying about it, but just remember that asking questions is key. I wouldn't stress.

Lerisa85 · June 2014

Emmy916 said:

Every doctor is different - my doctor is concerned and brings up every time that I'm not gaining enough weight. From when I saw her at 8 weeks I went from 120-124 (however from the start of pregnancy I went from 110-124) and she knows this. I was at a healthy BMI of 24 so I shouldn't be expected to gain more than the normal 25-30 lbs. However, she feels like 14lbs at this point isn't enough.

As long as you are being healthy, eating right, and not overdoing it - I wouldn't be concerned.

Wow really!? I'm 27 weeks on monday and I've gained 8lbs total (healthy starting weight too) and my doctor says everything is great since baby is growing steadily and on target at all my ultrasounds (high risk so I get one every month). He told me I may only gain 15 the entire pregnancy and that was perfectly fine. I was up 0lbs at my 22 week appointment. There is no "too much" or "too little" unless its affecting the baby's growth. I don't know why people worry about it so much. Eat healthy, drink water, get exercise and be happy!

Babycakes77777777 · June 2014

I'm up 13lbs and only 17 weeks

Babycakes77777777 · June 2014

I meant 16 weeks

avee10 · June 2014

I'm 17 weeks and havent gained any weight. but thats mostly because I was over weight to begin with when I first got pregant. my first pregnancy I had already gained 15 lbs by this time and I started of at a healthy weight.

BkBaby118 · June 2014

Agree with all PPs. As long as you feel fine and the baby is healthy, it doesn't matter what the scale says because everybody is different! I'm 17w4d and I've gained almost 8 pounds.

badrianne · June 2014

My ob just told me yesterday that anywhere from 5-15 pounds by week 20 is a normal range which might be why your doctor said something. I don't add this to worry you, just to give the range I was told.

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