Can We Talk About Food Philosophy and Baby Weight?

[claddaghmom]

Could we have an open discussion, maybe dig deep? I feel really confused and I am getting a lot of conflicting information. I think I have enough information from enough sources that I'm not sure what I know and don't know, and what's right and not right.

For example, several people have told me:


~I need to restrict/measure my protein or I'll have a big baby. Now, my understanding of protein is 1) my so-so diet probably doesn't have enough as it is and 2) restricting protein is probably harmful to the baby. Can anyone provide information on this?

~How much and what I eat controls my baby's weight. I feel confused about this one. I think it is a half truth but I'm not sure. I thought studies showed variation in diet did NOT affect the baby's weight? Short of malnutrition or eating snickers for 40 weeks, right? Any thoughts on this one?

~"A baby's weight is dictated by the amount of glucose in your bloodstream and how long it is in the bloodstream. If you eat carbs/sugar, your body will dump a lot of glucose into your bloodstream and cause your baby to grow big. You need to eliminate all simple sugars and as many complex sugars from your diet as you can." Someone told me this. Now, I might be a Padawan in whole foods nutrition, but I did make it through A&P, BIO, Chem etc so I at a lot of it. But can others walk me through this? Again, I hear half truths in this and I'm not sure what to think.

I've also heard that dairy is bad bad bad, eliminate it during pregnancy. I'm supposed to eat small meals and then exercise 10 minutes later to reduce glucose in the bloodstream, well you see where this is going.

(Don't worry, none of these people are providing any care for me; this is just random stuff I have to listen to from others IRL).

This is also tied into another issue. DD was 11lbs 4oz. GD was never suspected and never confirmed. All I hear about is how I have diabetes. No, I don't. Oh, then I am about to get diabetes! Also, I never knew this, since DD is my first baby, but having a big baby is apparently really bad. Everyone wants to help prevent this 'problem' from happening again. Now I think her size made labor go slower than it might have if she was smaller and it might have had an impact on her positioning. But she was born just fine and dandy and if I hadn't decided to shove her out all at once I would not have torn either. So I personally am not that worried about another big baby. IMO I saw some great advantages to having a bigger baby and kind of like the idea of another one. But everyone else seems to be 'very scared for me' or 'pitying me' or 'wondering what I'm going to do to prevent that'


Um, wow so this got a bit long. Anyways, this is not a S/O so don't think I'm fishing only for agreement. I want to be challenged and I want to learn so I can feel confident about any choices I make in my pregnancy. I went with my instincts entirely the 1st time and I am pleased with the results, but this time I have a lot of voices and I don't want to just brush them off. I want to know why they are wrong (if they are wrong). I need that understanding.


Thanks so much!

[kalamos23]

Frankly, I don't see anything wrong with a big baby. Fat squishes, right? I actually like bigger babies and hope this next one is good sized! I think people freak out way too much about it, honestly. As long as you didn't have GD (for other reasons, not for the bigness reason), I think you are just fine to follow your instincts. Fwiw, I was sick constantly with DD (Influenza type A twice, really morning sick, sinus infection leading to ruptured eardrum, bad food poisoning - and lots of minor things). She was born at 38w6d weighing 8lbs 7oz - she took what she needed to from me! I'm sure if I had gone overdue with her (was 100% positive on my dates), she could have easily been a 9-10 lb baby or heavier. I'm hypoglycemic and was totally neg. on the GTT so no GD here either.

I feel for you more because she was asynclitic/forehead presentation - ouch! (that's right, right?) DD was asynclitic as well and those long labors are so dang tiring!

I can't tell you any studies, but in my (limited!) experience with people I know and my family (oldest of 9), the only thing that seems to really sway babies' weights are IUGR, preterm birth, and GD. I think genetics more than anything plays into baby's weight - DH and I are both not small people (DH is heavy boned, and we both are tall) and 2 Great Danes aren't going to have a Chihuahua, you know?

Also, a friend of my parent's had a 11lb12 oz baby, first time, and she was tiny (IIRC 5'2"?) Her hubby was big though and there were big people on both sides.

[MyZymurgy]

I'm sure someone far more knowledgeable than me will come along and give you the detailed point-by-point responses you are hoping for.

But, I just wanted to say that I really and truly believe that a healthy "normal" balanced diet is what is required in pregnancy. Unless you ate horribly before pregnancy, you don't need to drastically change your eating habits during pregnancy (although, there are certain foods to avoid - but even those are open to debate). There are always a few exceptions to this - like a woman with GD will need diet modifications. I'm always slightly anemic anyway, so I need to up my iron during pregnancy. But for a healthy woman with a healthy diet, I don't believe any special changes to diet are needed.

I also really and truly believe that some women just make big babies. Just like some women, no matter what or how much they eat, just tend to make small babies. Genetics has a GREAT impact on fetal size. I don't think eating "too much" of anything can lead to you having a baby that is larger than what his or her genetics determine he should be. (Malnutrition could cause the baby to suffer from growth restrictions, though, along with other issues.)

Anyway... that's all just my opinion based on my understanding of development. It probably doesn't help much... but i'm looking forward to hearing more knowledgeable folks weigh in.

[zannster]

From what I've heard & read...

Too little protein leads to pre-eclampsia. I think this was an assertion by Dr. Brewer (of Brewer Diet fame). I have no idea if it's been proven. His rationale sounded good though.

I don't know how big you and your husband are, but 11 lbs plus sounds rather big to me, and I'd be afraid to have an even larger baby. My first was just over 9 lbs, and that seems big enough for me! LOL

I have mild GD this time around, so I've read some on it. Have you ever tested your blood glucose after different scenarios (meals) to see what you get? The exercise after the meal is great if you're diabetic (helps reduce insulin resistance and use up the blood glucose). If you're not, I can't see it mattering much. There is a chance of a larger baby from GD, but not all get big...and as PP mentioned, some women just have larger babies anyway.

I've never heard of avoiding dairy because of the baby's weight. Cutting back on simple sugars is probably a good idea for anyone. I hadn't heard anything about reducing complex carbs until my GD diagnosis (and I use that term loosely)...but even those with serious GD eat a certain amount of carbs, balanced by protein.

I really like the advice of the Brewer Diet, if you couldn't tell. I'd read up on it and go from there. I think if you aim for a healthy, balanced diet - which in my case now includes protein at every meal, and a lot less sugar than my first pregnancy! - you're going to end up with whatever sized baby is right for you.

[Lauren31]

I have only heard about eating MORE high quality protein. It allows the baby the best placenta and prevents pre-e, makes baby grow appropriately, etc. It's the refined sugars, carbs, etc that are not healthy to begin with that really add extra weight to an otherwise healthy baby. I think if you eat close to a GD diet or even strive to follow the Brewers diet more or less then that is doing pretty good. Lots of water, high quality protein, good veggies and fruits and complex carbs. It's all about balance. I was told to eat about 100 grams of protein a day and my baby at 38 weeks is only about 6.8 lbs... Not sure if the size is genetic or what but it's definitely not huge because I ate way too much protein. In my Bradley books the author emphasizes high quality foods and not skimping on calories.

[MamaMelis]

Originally Posted by MyZymurgy

I'm sure someone far more knowledgeable than me will come along and give you the detailed point-by-point responses you are hoping for.

But, I just wanted to say that I really and truly believe that a healthy "normal" balanced diet is what is required in pregnancy. Unless you ate horribly before pregnancy, you don't need to drastically change your eating habits during pregnancy (although, there are certain foods to avoid - but even those are open to debate). There are always a few exceptions to this - like a woman with GD will need diet modifications. I'm always slightly anemic anyway, so I need to up my iron during pregnancy. But for a healthy woman with a healthy diet, I don't believe any special changes to diet are needed.

I also really and truly believe that some women just make big babies. Just like some women, no matter what or how much they eat, just tend to make small babies. Genetics has a GREAT impact on fetal size. I don't think eating "too much" of anything can lead to you having a baby that is larger than what his or her genetics determine he should be. (Malnutrition could cause the baby to suffer from growth restrictions, though, along with other issues.)

Anyway... that's all just my opinion based on my understanding of development. It probably doesn't help much... but i'm looking forward to hearing more knowledgeable folks weigh in.

I completely agree with this.

[gardenmommy]

My experience is that in pregnancy (and while breastfeeding) you are growing a completely new human being, and to do that most effectively, you really need to have a balanced diet. For me, that means plenty of high-quality protein (bones, muscles, teeth, skin, etc.), plenty of good fats (brain and organ development), lots of water (keeps you hydrated and maintains amniotic fluid), and plenty of fruits and veggies (for the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants). I try to limit the carbs, just because I don't feel so great when my diet is carb-heavy; plus, I tend to gain a lot of unneeded weight with them. IMO, sweets, fried foods, and the like have no place in anyone's diet, much less a pregnant woman's diet, but there again, if it's a once a month indulgence, it isn't going to kill you, kwim?

I think exercise is very beneficial for maintaining a stable blood sugar, among other things, but if you can't do it, don't beat yourself up over it. IMO, having a "GD diet" is a good thing for a lot of people, because it does help stabilize your blood sugar. If you want to be strict about it, so much the better. Like a PP said, I think that genetics and conditions like IUGR play more into the size of your baby than your diet. I think that a good prenatal diet is essential for building a healthy baby and keeping mama healthy, but not the end-all be-all in determining baby size.


Personally, I wouldn't want a baby as big as the OP, but if you are comfortable with that, knowing the "risks" of problems like shoulder dystocia and whatnot, then more power to you. My biggest was 9 lbs., and I thought that was plenty big.

[Eresh]

Worrying about the size of a baby is not really about laboring and delivering the baby vaginally. It's about the health of the baby. A huge GD baby is not a healthy baby and may end up in the NICU in order to stabilize their blood sugar. Of course all large babies are not GD babies but one shouldn't assume larger = healthier.

In general I think things that are healthy for mom are healthy for baby. We know simple sugars, too many carbs, or too much of the wrong fats are not a good diet. A good diet for any adult (food intolerances aside) would be good lean proteins, lots of vegetables, fruits, nuts, berries, healthy fats, and complex carbs. I think most pregnancy nutrition guidelines emphasis getting a good amount of lean protein but I've seen the recommendations vary quite a bit by source.

By the way, the Brewer diet, while marvelous for a time that emphasized food restriction during pregnancy (and smoking to keep the baby's weight down), does not prevent pre-e. There is no scientifically established dietary cause of pre-e.

[tngirl11]

Just to share my own experience, I did actually have GD in both of my previous pg. I tried to followed the recommended diabetic diet that the nutritionist gave me, even though it didn't seem to make a lot of sense. It definitely didn't work, so I went back to the Brewer diet that I had been following (not to the letter, but loosely--lots of protein and fat, complex carbs, fruits and veggies--basically just a healthy, balanced diet, avoiding simple sugars and simple carbs and processed foods) and didn't have another problem. So that showed me that a healthy, balanced diet like that must be the way to go, diabetic or not. Interestingly enough, in the last couple of years I have gotten used to eating this way all the time and for the first time I don't have GD. I definitely think there is a connection.
Like some people have already said, some women just have large babies, and a large baby can be a very healthy baby!

[claddaghmom]

Thanks for the responses everyone. I do feel relieved to see that protein is not the 'culprit' here. During my last pregnancy, I used a hand-held pricker to track my sugar levels and they were great. Same w/ everything else. Growing up we've always had periodic testing b/c my grandma had type 1 diabetes.

Probably giving away one of the people who is bothering the heck out of me.

DD had her sugar levels tested after birth and was also great. My FP took some measurements of her body and said she did not have the right proportion to be a GD baby. (Not sure about this measuring thing??? I'm new to the GD issue overall and still researching). I received a ton of the same 'concern' about GD, diabetes, macrosomia etc after she was born and people found out her size. My milk didn't come in until day 4/5 and I was told she would seize or die from low blood sugar... anyways...

Actually now that I recall all the drama after birth...I think my FP was the only supportive person in it all. Even the MW I met talked about measuring protein. My FP winked at me and said maybe around 15lbs he'd be concerned. He said one of his patients has 15lbers and they tend to get stuck.

Of course, if a smaller baby = easier trip down the canal, that would be nice...from what I gather though I still don't have control over it?

Also, what about when you are craving carbs? I guess the 1st trimester is just a write off for food? Protein makes me gag. I've found I can keep dry 'dead' foods down, such as pasta and bread. The RRL tea I got is helping a bit. I've added some raw veggies. Still cannot handle the smell or sight of meat. (Fortunately I've been able to eat collard greens all along?? weird huh?)

[claddaghmom]

This was my intro to the Brewer diet:

http://www.amazon.com/Metabolic-Toxe...4368483&sr=1-2

I know someone who swore by the diet, saying it managed her Toxemia. She gave me the book to read when I was teen...clearly not useful at that point. I had forgotten all about it.

I am going to try it for this pregnancy. Thanks for mentioning it!

[jennmiller]

FWIW a very close friend of mine gave birth to a 11+lb baby born at home with no tearing and a rather easy labor. No one has ever said one word to her about either of them being unhealthy or having GD. Mom is a tall girl and so is dad, so it stands to reason that the two of them would produce bigger kids.

Also, many moms have milk that comes in around day 4/5. Mine did. DD was perfectly fine and no one told me that I was starving my baby or that she might have seizures. So, do what you know is right, which might include finding new, supportive caregivers if that's what seems best.

[Realrellim]

None of it is set in stone. Basically, there's no perfect way to eat that will cause a woman's body to grow a baby of a certain size.

Also, there are no scientific studies that show eating "enough" protein prevents anything, and it certainly doesn't prevent pre-e.

Obviously, it's in any pregnant woman's interests to eat a balanced diet with whole foods--to the best of their ability given food aversions, m/s and other issues--but the evolutionary reality is that the baby will take what it needs from you. Also, like a pp said, genetics and such play a role in how big the baby gets as well. Based on some of my blood sugar measurements, it's looking like I might end up with a GD diagnosis this week--and yet baby is measuring 12th percentile at 30 weeks. I just grow small babies, which probably makes sense given that I'm small.

[Snapdragon]

I tend to think about all the pregnant women in all different times in all different countries. And how some people are only able to eat what they can get! From extreme to even milder conditions. I think our culture has way too strict an idea of what people should and shouldn't do. Plus it is this kind of chaotic advice of all sorts, by all different people with different approaches! I think it is best to eat the best quality food you can from all different food groups, and to listen to your body more than a book or doctor. That is my opinion but I have what I consider to be a very good diet- lots of fresh organic foods. But I don't try to follow more than what my own body tells me. I know I can't just say trust your instinct cause maybe peoples' instincts are all differnet and some might only want to eat jelly beans and fast food or something. But I think if you have a generally healthy diet, just try to eat a lot of good food and get enough exercise and that is the best, rather than trying to categorize it all.

[lunarlady]

In terms of big babies, I think you honestly don't have to worry that much. After all, it is the head that really is the problem, and most fat babies don't gain it in their heads! So yes, it might be a little easier to push out at 7 lb baby, but I pushed out a 7 lb baby with a 95th percentile head, and I tore a bit too. So really diet, ease of labor, and baby size don't seem all that linked in my brain. I mean, can't you have a fat kid with a small head? Seems that would be easier to push out, more areodynamic.

The important thing to remember is that the baby will take what it needs for healthy development. Therefore, if you don't eat enough protein, the baby will take it from you, usually from your muscle mass. If you don't eat enough calcium, the baby will take it from your bones. You get the picture. Your body is very good at baby first, you second. So you are really eating well to preserve your health, because baby will take what it needs. Know that fuzzy, confused, tired feeling of first trimester? That's the baby stealing your blood sugar. Darn little theif wants some crackers!

Unless you are severly malnourished, I think the overall size of your baby is linked more to genetics than to what you eat. So you are most likely in for a big baby agian no matter what. Eat a healthy, balanced diet and try not to listen to all those people who tell you what you should and shouldn't do. I, personally, try to track my protein and fiber intake just because I don't want to lose too much muscle tone and I know the consequnces of prenatals mixed with low fiber. (Ouch!) But balanced, healthy eating is the key.

[HeYunyi]

Dairy has been scientifically shown to increase a baby's birth weight: http://www.foodconsumer.org/777/8/Pr...r_babies.shtml

It works out to about 1.5 oz weight gain per serving of milk consumed daily by a pregnant woman.

The article I linked to mentioned the study showed that protein consumed had no impact on weight gain.

[jecombs]

OP, I think that for every theory on baby weight-gain, there is some sort of study to back it up. I'm just as confused as you are... my DD was 8# 6oz. and folks were concerned that she was "too big." I've seen articles that say eat less protein, I've seen some they say eat more protein, avoid dairy, avoid carbs... I've decided to ignore all of them and just try to eat a balanced, well-rounded diet. So far, I feel great so I'm guessing that means that my body and my baby like what I'm eating!

[lunaleau]

I think that like most things genetics play a role as does diet. My family has big babies, has for generations. Is that a good thing? I do not know.If a whole family has a history of diabetes, do we have to follow suit or can we look at ways to prevent it knowing we are predisposed to it? My first was 11 # 6 oz, my second 10 lbs, I am shooting for and 8 1/2 pounder. Now my first was definitely a GD baby with the associated body type ( large barrel chest, broad shoulders) and there are increased risks of shoulder dystocia and blood sugars with the truly GD baby. I do not think that big is necessary for all the inductions and c-sections.

In that first pregnancy I also had pre-e ( which usually lends itself to small babies!). In the 2nd pregnancy I was pretty diligent about food and limited calories to 2000 a day and thus got my 10 lber. I followed brewer pretty closely and personally avoided a lot of carbs.

This pregnancy I am again counting calories and really cutting down on dairy and meat as my protein sources but still getting around 100 gms a day.

There are several studies on Pub Med and I recall one from and Elizabeth Davis book regarding protein intake. The Elizabeth Davis book refers to a study comparing Japanese and American women's diets that it takes us 100 grams to get the bio-available protein from foods what a typical Japanese woman can get in 60 grams. The Pub Med articles all cite the importance of lots of fresh vegetables. I think ( JMO) that on average even healthy American diets are acutely lacking in vegetable and fresh un-processed grains and natural proteins. I mean we do have a 30% obesity rate in this country. If food impacts our heart health, lung health, every other major organ, isn't it logical to think that it impacts the one we grow in the space of a few months? ( I am talking about placenta, which there are some theories its poor function relate to pre-e)

I also agree that dairy is over consumed and can fatten up the babies. WIC gives us a couple gallons a week right? That is a crazy amount of dairy.I honestly do believe we are supposed to drink that much milk. I think if we take a look at countries that have some of the healthiest babies, mothers and general population, the way they eat is so different from the average American diet , we would all do well to get some inspiration, pregnant or not!

One other aspect that is mentioned in several Pub Med studies is exercise, we do not move much , at all. So my opinion is a really fresh balanced diet, higher plant and unprocessed meat protein and lots of low-stress continuos exercise. Oh wait, can I do that? Way to call my self out! Good discussion all!

[Thalia]

If your baby was healthy and your labor went well, I don't think you should be worried about having another big baby.

My personal opinion is that you should try to eat a healthy, balanced diet, and listen to your body. The same diet doesn't work for everyone, pregnant or not.

[umsami]

Originally Posted by HeYunyi

Dairy has been scientifically shown to increase a baby's birth weight: http://www.foodconsumer.org/777/8/Pr...r_babies.shtml

I would question this study for a few reasons:
1) Funded by the Canadian Dairy Association
2) Consumption was self-reported.... and food diaries are pretty much always inaccurate.
3) The article itself says that the findings were NOT statistically significant.

Babies born to women who drank milk during pregnancy were slightly but statistically insignificantly heavier than those born to mothers who avoid drinking milk, 3530 grams versus 3410 grams (p value= 0.07), according to the study.

Women have grown wonderful babies on a wide variety of diets. I really think the only thing people should try to avoid/limit are heavily processed and artificial foods.