Healthy weight gain questions

irishblessings916 · January 2016

When I had my first OB appt with DS, I was 144. My last Gyno appt in Oct 2015 I was 160 something. I've never fully lost my "baby weight" and I'm concerned that I'll be at an unhealthy weight when this one is born. I'm only 5'4" and I'm 31. I had a ton of back pain for almost then entire first year after DS from the 39 lbs gained and the epidural. I have a desk job, am always tired and feel like I have no time to dedicate to a workout. The most workout I get is when I ride my horse. And that's like once a month.

How can I gain a healthy amount of weight without being over 200 lbs? My hips, knees and ankles are going to hate me.

TheTamedShrew · January 2016

I try to work out for about 30-45 minutes, 5 days a week. I also don't buy junk, because if it's in my house, then I will eat it. I have no willpower while pregnant. Then of course there's the age old advice, "eat more vegetables and lean proteins" blah blah.

I'm a firm believer in moderation is key. Find ways to get moving on a regular basis, and don't eat too much junk (basically anything sugary or deep fried). Even 15 minutes of cardio is better than nothing.

Beegey33 · January 2016

What you eat is about 80 percent of it! If you are careful with what you put in your body, the only thing you gain will be baby weight. That's being said walks more than 3 times a week will do you some good!! Moderate speed/ get the heart working slightly.

Also if you start out overweight, some OBs will adjust the amount of weight they suggest is healthy for you. I'd ask you OB what they think is a good range.

bookworm982 · January 2016

I don't have much time for exercise so I understand where you are coming from. For weight control, I'm careful to eat healthy. With DD and DS1 I ate well, gained a good amount, and lost it fairly easily. With DS2 I was pregnant over the holidays, indulged in large portions of every treat and rich food available, and gained too much. I got it off, but it was a painful process of making myself count calories and reset my eating habits. This time I'm determined to keep eating well (or even better than I am now). It should be easier this pregnancy since there is so much wonderful fresh food available during our 2nd and 3rd trimesters.

RedMar · January 2016

Is there any way you could split up your lunch and walk the first half/eat the second? I find myself "grazing" whenever possible (to keep nausea at bay and to have a steady flow of calorie consumption) but it's hard bc I am a teacher and can't just bust out a snack mid-lesson.

I think to help my back I'm going to start some brisk walking after school or during my free period, I might just walk the halls. I will be that teacher in black slacks and sneakers

stoneyfitma4 · January 2016

Nutrition is key, I would take a good look at your diet. And start with cutting out the basic bad foods, soda, fast food. Eat Clean and with in portions. Small meals, and snacks every few hours are best. And I start with walking a few times a week. Not having time is an excuse we all could use, if you have time for Facebook, the bump or TV you can find 30 minutes a day for you! If you need any extra support PM. I'm no expert but health and fitness are a passion of mine.

irishblessings916 · January 2016

Thanks for the advice, ladies! I'm already "that mom" who reads labels, avoids HFCS, MSG and all those bad things in food and tries to be as gluten-free as possible. My son is 4 and never had soda and I'm proud to say that. We just don't keep it in the house. Cookies and snacks, well, we just got 2 big containers from DFs grandmother and his sister for Christmas. But they are hidden. Out of sight, out of mind, especially for DS.

DF loves French fries and said he could eat them almost every night of the week. Um, no. Just no. Sometimes I make them. But when he makes "dinner" on my late nights, you can bet it's all in the oven. Meal planning is not a strong point here. Seems like we spend a ton at the store and don't get a lot. I'm actually looking into buying some meat chickens from my friend who raises them every year.

I can't wait for summer! All those fresh, local veggies! We are planning a garden this year if we get the house we put an offer in for.

0SeaMonkey0 · January 2016

Not sure what your vices are but o know that most of unhealthy food choices don't happen in my meals and snacks, it's in my habitual and comfort things. For example, I have a huge "hot beverage" problem. I like to be sipping on a coffee or tea pretty much 24/7. When I'm pregnant I try to cut back on artificial sweeteners (I consume way too much normal) which means... Sugar. That's it's own problem. I honestly can't remember how I dealt with it last time but I kept my weight well under control. I think I took sugar in places that use the really nasty sweeteners and took advantage of places that offer Splenda and Stevia.

izzetoot · January 2016

@irrishblessings916 I am in the same boat! I was at a healthy weight when I became pregnant with my first, gained 40lbs but only lost half of it. Now pregnant with #2 I am 20lbs heavier than I was before. I have tried all kinds of resources, work out programs, and diets and have just gotten stuck with that last 20lbs. I would be satisfied going into this pregnancy weighing 10lbs less than I do now and I think (hope!) I will be able to do that by adjusting my diet and cutting out alcohol. I have also just ordered the 21 day fix which is a portion controlled healthy eating plan and 30m a day exercise program that can be toned down for pregnant mamas. I plan to start that in the next week or so when it arrives. There are a few other moms that want to try it too and I think we may start a thread for S16 to help motivate each other.

AnnaS930 · January 2016

@irishblessings916 - I use an under-desk elliptical at work (my company provides them luckily, but I've seen them on Amazon for around $75). It's a great way to burn some calories when you're tied to a desk!

I gained about 40 pounds with my last pregnancy and am starting at the same weight as last time. This time around I'm trying not to gain too much first trimester so I have some wiggle room later on! Try to make healthy food choices even though I know I will cheat (last time around it was all the chips all evening! YUM!), and just keep moving. Healthy baby is priority #1!

irishblessings916 · January 2016

@0SeaMonkey0 I LOVE my flavored coffee creamers! Pumpkin Spice is my weakness. A large bottle lasts 5 days, where a small lasts less than 3. I know that was my problem last fall/winter. I cut out gluten and lost a ton of weight, got rid of my "fat clothes" and now I'm SOL. And Pumpkin Spice swirl bread with cream cheese was my guilty pleasure while drinking my coffee, which was more creamer than coffee (not really, but I do use a lot).

But in the last week I've cut down on coffee, the amount of creamer and started drinking tea. These next few months are going to be hard since it's comfort food season for me. Soup. Lots and lots of creamy, hearty soups are what I crave in the winter.

TheTamedShrew · January 2016

irishblessings916 said:

Soup. Lots and lots of creamy, hearty soups are what I crave in the winter.

Now i want soup.

WineNChocolate · January 2016

As others have said nutrition. Make the extra calories intake smart calories. Also I work out 3-4times a week. My first pregnancy I actually just made an effort to walk everyday 45 mins. As well as take stairs at work. Go to a further bathroom. You have a fitbit. You could keep track of your activity/steps.

sams1girl · January 2016

The old saying "you're eating for two" is soooo misleading...my OB told me that you only need about 150-200 extra calories a day like an apple or half a peanut butter sandwhich not another 1800-2000 calories lol...

Of course that changes during the course of a pregnancy and everyone is different.

I gained 17 lbs with my son and I'm currently below my pre-pregnancy weight....by 5 lbs but hey, that counts right???

My husband and I try to not have dinner past 7 and we rarely snack at night...sure the occasional bowl of ice cream or something sweet but not every night..

Honestly, I feel everything in moderation is ok...craving pizza...go on have a piece or two...but not six or ten lol cookies??? Sounds great, but not the entire bag...or two lol!!

Remember....growing another human is hard work and we get HUNGRY!!!

Make every effort to eat healthy and exercise but don't be too hard on yourself if you give in to a craving and kick your feet up!

Be kind to yourself

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