Shocked to hear dr tell me I gained too much

ccarrozza1 · September 2016

I had my 25 week apt and did the glucose drink challenge. Yuck. My doctor said I gained triple the amount I was supposed to during the last weeks between appointments. I think i have gained 18lbs since I first got pregnant, since my first dr appointment. Last pregnancy I gained 35lbs but gave birth three weeks early. I don't know what's normal. Any comments?

Shawlls · September 2016

My doc said the same (I've gained 15 lbs.) I gained 50 last time! (No diabetes and lost it all after). I told him he was mean and he just laughed.

OfficialBillie · September 2016

It depends on how much you weighed before hand.

Typically, rapid and excess gain can be linked to development of gestational diabetes as well as potential complications with blood pressure and other issues during delivery.

Its not a guarantee and as long as you continue to check out healthy in all other aspects I honestly wouldn't worry about it. At least that's what my dr told me when I asked about my weight gain (I was worried because as of my last appointment I have only gained about six pounds from where i first started)

My mom gained a ton with my brother and he was perfectly healthy. She barely gained anything with me because of chemo, and I came out mostly healthy (my health problems were related to the chemo, not the weight).

stumptownmama · September 2016

Weight is a really personal and individual thing. I think it all depends on weight prepregnancy and current health issues one might have during pregnancy as reasons why a provider might be concerned. They say 20-30 pounds is the normal amount to gain for an average weight person. That said, I'm an average weight person and have already gained 20. I would be mortified if my midwife said something to me about it.

azwildcat62 · September 2016

At my last appt I had gained 16 lbs since the start of my pregnancy & asked my doc about it. She said nothing to be worried about at this time. Maybe ask why they provided that feedback to you?

mommy2ane · September 2016

I'm kind of expecting this talk with my doctor next week. He gave me that talk around this time when I was pregnant with my son. Except that was around Christmas and Thanksgiving so that was my excuse. He just told me that I needed to slow it down at that point so I was far more careful afterwards about what I ate. I ended up gaining about 40 pounds in total, but I left the hospital being only 10 lbs from pre pregnancy weight so I think that it was mostly the baby. Hopefully it's the same this time!

BrennansMom2012 · September 2016

Was there a medical reasoning behind his/her comment? If not, then it was their personal opinion and he needs to shut it because last time I checked Drs are not there to give us their personal opinions. We want and need their professional medical reasoning based on experience and knowledge. Every woman gains differently during pregnancy and comments/suggestions about weight gain from your Dr should be medically based.

I was was overweight when I got pregnant with my first and when I first came in I was told no more than 20lbs and given a multitude of medically sound justification like pp said. With this pregnancy I had gotten myself healthy and was "normal weight" (whatever that truly is) for my height and they are not stressing about my 26 gained so far--even when I've brought it up. Kudos to your 18!

therealfrizzle · September 2016

I've gained almost 40 lbs at my last check with my MW and the only person obsessing about it is myself. She's told me to keep a food diary and see if I'm consuming too many carbs, milk, or juice because those are the typical culprits of fast weight gain in pregnancy. I don't have to keep a diary to know I've been eating far too many carbs due to no time or energy to prep proper meals. But she wasn't worried. It really depends on the person I guess, but she wasn't concerned about it.

hjmorgan-2 · September 2016

Every person is different. Some doctors are very by the book, and some understand individual needs. I have dense bones, so I always weigh more than normal. Some doctors have told me I am considered overweight because of my BMI (25.1 . Which is one point above 'normal') and some doctors will tell me I'm doing excellent.

Listen to your doctor and ask why that's a concern, but don't stress about it too much. If you know you're eating well, and gaining gradually, then you'll be fine. Maybe just to ease your mind, if you haven't already, start a food diary and weigh yourself at home weekly just to track and see if it's gradual gain, or it jumps after a bad week of eating out, etc.

I've been doing this because I know my body type is different. It helps keep my mind in perspective. Some weeks my weight jumps up, but I have tracked all my food and know it's just because baby is going through a growth spurt, but then some weeks (like my birthday week, which also included a party and my brother's bday) I'll eat not so good and see that the weight jump was due to bad foods.

Just a thought.

Carly79 · September 2016

There are so many things that go with weight gain and reasons a doctor brings it up. I was overweight to start so at my intake appointment with the OB nurse I was given a range of 15-20 lbs but my doctor has never said anything about it (in either pregnancy). Overall I was healthy and having a good pregnancy and that's what mattered to her. But weight gain can signal other medical issues as some previous posters have indicated. Some doctors will comment on it because they want to make sure you are getting the nutrients baby needs. Others comment on it because it can effect how hard your delivery will be on you (other things play a part here too). I would just ask why he feels it's high and why he's concerned enough to mention it so that you can understand the reasoning behind it and make your decisions from there.

curlysue22 · September 2016

Just as a point of reference, I had my 25 week appointment yesterday. I have gained 17.5lbs since beginning of pregnancy, but 6.5 of them were in the last month, so that's a slightly larger jump between appointments. My doc told me my weight was doing fine. So, I think it really varies between doctors. The only other thing I can think of is that possibly your starting weight matters as far as how much they think you should gain overall. But I do remember when I had a "big" jump between appointments last pregnancy a different doc said something and I wanted to smack him in the face. Last pregnancy I gained a total of 39lbs. Hoping for slightly less this time, but what will be will be.

ccarrozza1 · September 2016

Yes, I weighed less before I got pregnant this time. I was underweight. But feel the weight is mostly in my belly. And it's hard to the touch so I don't have very much fat on my belly...That's why i am wondering if maybe baby is growing faster. My baby girl was 8lb 3oz born three weeks early. Dr already changed my due date early on saying he was measuring big. I kind of wish he just kept his mouth shut and let me be.

Kurtni · September 2016

PMForbie said:

I've gained almost 40 lbs at my last check with my MW and the only person obsessing about it is myself. She's told me to keep a food diary and see if I'm consuming too many carbs, milk, or juice because those are the typical culprits of fast weight gain in pregnancy. I don't have to keep a diary to know I've been eating far too many carbs due to no time or energy to prep proper meals. But she wasn't worried. It really depends on the person I guess, but she wasn't concerned about it.

I think that's really smart advice about the drinks. Pregnancy makes you so thirtsy, I can see how if you're drinking anything but water the calories could really add up and sabatoge otherwise healthy weight gain.

KRB22 · September 2016

PMForbie said:

I've gained almost 40 lbs at my last check with my MW and the only person obsessing about it is myself. She's told me to keep a food diary and see if I'm consuming too many carbs, milk, or juice because those are the typical culprits of fast weight gain in pregnancy. I don't have to keep a diary to know I've been eating far too many carbs due to no time or energy to prep proper meals. But she wasn't worried. It really depends on the person I guess, but she wasn't concerned about it.

I'm in a similar situation. I was small to begin with and at 24 weeks had gained about 30 pounds. My MW said I'm the perfect size for where I am, and also that she does not expect me to gain as quickly through 3rd trimester. I know my practice puts more emphasis on getting proper nutrition, especially adequate protein, over actual pounds/weight.

I'm not thrilled with the numbers, but I do think a lot of the weight is in my belly and boobs. Based on family history I'm also expecting the baby to be over 8 lbs. I am very conscious of what I eat, and have been staying active, so I don't think there's much more I can do. I think it's most important to have a healthy, well-nourished baby, and everyone's body handles this differently.

AlabamaRedhead · September 2016

With DS, I gained about 35-40lbs, but I was healthy, exercised until labor and lost it all fairly quickly after. I'm on par to do the same time time around, if not a little more. I've gained 15-18lbs total thus far. My give a crap o meter is officially out. My doc has never said anything to me about weight, with either pregnancy. Now, if there are some other numbers that are going wacky (blood pressure, heart rate, etc) that might be a reason to address it, but if not, then take it with a grain of salt.

Smiley-1980 · September 2016

I gained 30lbs total with my last pregnancy with my daughter and this time I started a few pounds heavier but I've only gained about 7lbs total so far and my doctor mentioned I was "up" and to keep an eye on it last time. I was shocked to hear that too since I know I hardly gained anything.

mudderbear · October 2016

I think I have gained MAYBE 2 lbs since losing 6 in the beginning, but I am definitely overweight to begin with. Neither the doctors I've seen or the nurses who take my weight have said anything to me, I don't know if they just don't care because it is a maternity clinic and not a designated doctor for me or what but I feel like if they told me I gained too much (or obviously too little) I'd probably tell them to shove their opinion up their ass cuz I'm growing a freaking human.

Knottie1443924966 · October 2016

I've gained 32lbs so far and it's really taking a toll on my back and knees.

I'm trying so hard to workout but with travelling over the passed 3 weeks I only made it to the gym 3 times. Since we got back I walked 45 min twice out of 4 days.

I have a doctors appt next week so I'm curious how my doctor will react.

I just want to stay healthy but I'm noticing that my thighs have grown twice as big and there is a pooch around my belly. This weight gain can't be healthy..

Somehow I've been sneaking cakes, breads, soda and cheese into my diet.

I have to get back into my routine

christac1010 · October 2016

I've gained 17lbs so far and my doctor said if I continue my weight gain, I'll end up around 30-35lbs total (over the next 13ish weeks). He said that was a little more than they like to see, but it's okay. Um... I'll take it! I've been awful about working out and I try to eat well, but I definitely have my fair share of indulgences. My husband was at the appointment though, so he's on my case about things not snacking or going for walks. I know he only means well and he's trying to follow the doctor's orders but seriously, shut up and GTFOH. I'm growing a human. I'll gain what I want. And if I'm whining about how much weight I have to lose once he's here, it's my problem.

TexasGal24 · October 2016

Smiley-1980 said:

I gained 30lbs total with my last pregnancy with my daughter and this time I started a few pounds heavier but I've only gained about 7lbs total so far and my doctor mentioned I was "up" and to keep an eye on it last time. I was shocked to hear that too since I know I hardly gained anything.

WHAT?!?!? You've only gained 7 pounds and they said to keep an on eye on it?!?! How did you not punch your doctor in the face? That's not a rhetorical question. I know that pre-preggy weight is an important factor but 7 pounds at this stage in the game seems VERY low.

I've gained 18 pounds so far and I'm 26 weeks today. I've definitely put on weight faster than what I expected but my midwife never brought it up at our last visit. Baby was measuring big at 20 weeks and my fundal measurements are about a week and a half over what I actual am. I really try to stick to whole grains, fresh fruits and veggies, and lean protein. I've even added more fish to my diet and exercise 4-5 times per week. I don't really understand it but whatever, as long as baby is healthy.

LoneStar21416 · October 2016

@christac1010 FWIW, I will be 27 weeks on Monday and have gained around 17 as well. We are basically identical. 30-35 lbs total seems completely reasonable and what I am anticipating if I stay on this path. I was doing well with workouts at the beginning, but have fallen off recently. I had a cold a few weeks ago that lingered, and now I just feel tightness and pressure if I walk for too long or do one of my videos; the workouts are much more modified now and I don't even know how much they're helping. Sounds like you're doing fine! I'm trying to watch it too though, so I feel you!

sarahmsoda · October 2016

I have PCOS so weight gain is something I have struggled with in the last few years but I am still average weight for my height ...I have gained around 12-15 lbs and I am 26 weeks but I honestly don't eat great or exercise much. I feel like my slow weight gain is due to not having any alcohol anymore. I always drank calories before and now all I do is drink water!

I think we will all gain so differently. I had a friend who gained over 60lbs both pregnancies and lost it fairly easy both times... Different bodies react differently. Unless your weight gain is causing health problems I don't think I'd be too worried

cjs260 · October 2016

My OB said she'd like for me to gain around 20 - 25lbs. At week 19, I had gained 2lbs, then at week 23, I was up 9 total. All of that happened with no observable change in my diet or exercise. OB wasn't concerned and said that the majority of weight should be put on between weeks 20-30. She said she'd like to see me gain no more than a pound a week by my next appt (up coming Thursday), and unless I go on some sort of binge, I should only have gained around 2lbs this month. She said after that my gain should really be more like .25 to .5 lb a week until delivery. Because I'm overweight to begin with, I try to keep my daily caloric intake to 2100. I don't like "count calories" per say, but just try to keep a mental count going of approximately what I've consumed in the day. I also weigh once a week to keep myself in check.

Wholesome · October 2016

I showed up to my last appointment eating a donut as big as my face covered in chocolate frosting with a look on my face that said, "I just dare you to say something motherf-er." No comments. Heh heh.

MaryNog · October 2016

@Wholesome hahahaha best mental picture ever!

Teach123 · October 2016

I go Tuesday for my next appointment. I don't weigh inbetween because I really don't want to know. I don't feel like my eating is out of control at all, but I've gained more than I'd like. Every pregnancy is different. I'm hoping the gain slows considerably in the third trimester.

ccarrozza1 · October 2016

I have to say, they have made suggestions for me to exercise but between working full-time, my long commute, taking care of my family specifically my 15 month old and doing daily routine, I have very little time or energy to exercise. Besides what I have to do to get through the day, I have little energy for extra stuff. Last pregnancy was different and I didn't have a toddler to chase. Anybody else feel this way?

Wholesome · October 2016

Yes and no, @ccarrozza1. I was in a routine where I was jogging for 35 minutes 3x-4x a week (not including warm up/cool down) and doing big squat, push-up and sit-up sets after. The first time I bled after a workout, I vowed I wouldn't do more than walk occasionally or do the casual lapswim occasiionally. I'm too afraid of having another miscarriage so that's my justification for my dramatic pendulum. And chasing a toddler definitely leaves me without extra energy as well. I'm gaining weight but I'm otherwise healthy (other than still having intermittent morning sickness). I'll go back to my routine after I'm healed from giving birth.

If I start having health issues because of my weight, I'll change something then -- anyone tries to instill unfounded fear in me, I don't take it. Being overweight or fat doesn't mean you WILL have health problems, period. There are plenty of morbidly obese women in the world who have perfectly healthy pregnancies and births. There are plenty of Olympian, gym rat, low BMI, calorie counters who have health issues during pregnancy. If you have a doctor that makes you fearful ONLY because of the scale, your doctor is dwelling on weight too much and may be not giving you the best care you can find. Too many doctors see fat people as skin bags of unhealth and won't address anything without looking at your weight as the source of all things evil.

so, that was quite the rant but... there ya go.

ccarrozza1 · October 2016

@Wholesome Oh I don't blame you. I am 39 years old and have already had one miscarriage, not to mention my first child was a preemie. I just don't want to push it. Last time I think i pushed myself too far but now I am working full-time and I have less time/energy anyways.
To be honest, I was underweight to start. Generally I am on the thin side but I think the stress of having the last baby and pumping and such, I lost all my baby weight plus a little more. I have to say, I don't feel like I can phsyically overeat at this point because everything is so smushed in there!! I don't know why he even said anything to me knowing how everything went last time and given that I was on the low end to start. Ugh. My chiropractor even agreed with him though, saying women should really not gain more than 25 lbs in pregnancy. Seems like horseshit to me becauSe everyone is different!!!!

ceclarlinetlo · October 2016

You are right about that! Saying all women should only gain 25 pounds is absolutely garbage. It's based on starting weight/BMI categories - starting off underweight it's recommended to gain 30-40 pounds and when starting off obese it's recommended to do 11-20 pounds with starting off normal range weight is in the middle. It's really odd to me that an OB wouldn't know that.

Wholesome · October 2016

@ccarrozza1, your chiropractor should not be telling you things that fall outside of the perimeters his practice, which is maintenance of the spinal column, discs, related nerves and bone geometry... and stick to doing alignments, massages, stretches and recommended exercises.

He may have opinions or two cents to add but should it be doing so as part of his care. Having drinks later as friends, sure, but then it isn't professional remarks.

thats like a pharmacist telling you what stretches to do to after running. Or an optometrist saying what birth control they recommend after birth while breastfeeding. They may know something or have opinions or comments but it's not their field and should keep their mouths shut. That's borderline malpractice... they have no business giving out that advice as a professional outside of their field.

i used to go to a chiropractor but now see a physical therapist who is also a chiropractor (only found this out after switching - it's awesome having someone who understands muscles and bones and how to manipulate both for the better). I highly recommend it if you could find the same. The level of care I get is a zillion times better than a chiropractor alone and my insurance covers it better too because my insurance, like most, see chiros as hokey... I was paying out of pocket for most visits before, next to nothing now. I have a horror story about my chiro but I know it's not the same experience everyone has.

lindsladle15 · October 2016

Yikes, I also like how the weight comments often come from the male doctors. I get it, they're trained and went to school forever, but they've never been in the baby-carrying/growing boat

Wholesome · October 2016

lindsladle15 said:

Yikes, I also like how the weight comments often come from the male doctors. I get it, they're trained and went to school forever, but they've never been in the baby-carrying/growing boat

I've actually experienced the complete opposite. I've received the most uncaring comments from female doctors who write off any concerns and compare everything to what they've experienced - right down to refusing tests and telling me not to worry. Then I end up in the ER 2 days later for something they could have caught. I stick with men whenever I can - they don't compare my experience to theirs, take tests for every concern, don't compare everything I'm going through with what they've experienced and seem to genuinely care more.

katesmama0706 · October 2016

@Wholesome I'm team male doctor too. In fact I actually prefer OLDER male OBs. Like, old enough to be my grandpa old. They're often by the book and old school but something about that wrinkly old man makes me feel a lot calmer. My first OB was like that, the last half of that pregnancy was a younger woman and now I have a younger man.

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