I had my 16 week checkup today and found out that I have gained 10 pounds since my twelve week checkup. I only gained about 3 pounds during my first trimester but I feel like 10 pounds in a month is a lot. My doctor told me not to worry as my gaining seems to be on track but I feel very nervous and self-conscious about this. I can't help but worry that if I keep gaining at this rate that I'm going to gain too much. Anyone else had issues with these feelings? I have struggled on and off with body image issues and an eating disorder throughout my life which may be why it's bothering me so much it's really getting me down. Ugh
Re: Weight gain
I brought all these concerns up with my doctor this week and asked about eating plans or calorie intake guidelines I should follow. She didn't seem concerned. Just said try to exercise some. I'm like your the one who told me the goal was to only gain around 20 pounds. At this rate, I'm scared what the scale will get up to.
I worked out like a freaking maniac pre pregnancy.. I was super lean.
So seeing my body now compared to before can play some tricks on the mind. But I'll tell you that I gained 25.5 lbs since pre pregnancy and my extended family is constantly in shock as to where the weight went.
So don't worry about the scale so much bc I went through EXACTLY what you're going through a couple weeks back.
Most of the weight went to my boobs which were a full B to what now seems like an overflowing DD. The butt and the hips.
Ofcourse clear this woth your Dr. But if you worked out befire pregnancy the 2nd trimester is a good time ti start up again.
Walk as much as you can,
do some weight training (even super light weights- but start with 5-10lbs less then what you were doing pretty pregnancy and work up from there)
and drink A LOT of water. I'm up to 4000ml a day!
And most importantly eat whole based non processed foods. Replace sugar with fruits and carbs with slow burning foods to keep you full but the water intake will do much of the work and load up your greens. When we eat dinner I eat my salad out of the bowl it's prepared in. A handful won't cut it.
And rest assured IF you breastfeed the weight will melt off. Your body will be working so hard to produce the milk that you will be constantly burning calories.
Love yourself and be mindful. Try not to restrict the quantity of the food.. I stead change the quality and your habits. And know that the feelings that you are having are not only yours. It's normal and it's alright.
Having said that, after she was born and I was home, my gain was nearer to 20 pounds left to lose. I was able to take off all but about 9 of that, but ended up getting pregnant before I did.
Don't stress too much, it all works out!