weight issues? « Back to Group Discussions

[JNajla]

I was dieting prior to this pregnancy and had just made it to the point of having a 'normal' bmi and starting to look good when I found out that I was pregnant.  I've had a difficult time with knowing how much to eat since being pregnant because I had to abruptly shift gears to not be 'dieting' anymore.  I admit that I wasn't always doing the healthiest things pre-pregnancy (fasting/ using weight loss supplements).  Obviously I can't take appetite suppressants anymore so I've been RAVENOUS while pregnant.  I'm still weighing myself everyday.  I'm 10 weeks 6 days and I've already gained FIFTEEN pounds (11 of the 15 pounds has been since 11/5).  But sometimes the weight is piling on several pounds at a time and there seems to be no rhyme reason for it.  For example

November 5th I was 151.5.  November 13th I was 158.6.  November 21st I was 161.5.  This week:  Sunday 163.1, Monday 163.3, Tuesday 161.8, today 165.  What?!  I seem to steadily be going up almost 3-4 lbs PER WEEK.  At this rate, I will implode by delivery.  I have cut down on the snacking of calorie laden things like dried fruit/ trail mix/ granola and replaced it with fruit, but it doesn't seem to matter.  I'm concerned....  I'm just constantly hungry all day long.  I originally set my goal that I wasn't going to gain more than 20 lbs for this pregnancy......  but, that isn't looking like it is going to happen.  I just don't want to gain the weight back that I worked so hard to lose and have to start all over again after delivery.  I admit that I have not gone to the gym in 8 weeks due to fatigue and other stress.  I'm hoping that once I'm in my 2nd trimester that I get my energy back and can start working out again.  Anyone else have these same concerns, and if so, how have you been managing?

[BabySmurf]

Hmm, I don't have a lot of advice, but I know that stress can absolutely have an effect on your body's instinct to keep weight on.  It does seem out of the ordinary that you would put on that much weight that quickly.  Have you had your thyroid checked?

Besides that, I have had huge success with a traditional/paleo method of eating.  There are actually a few of us in this DDC that eat this way.  Also, cutting out grains can have a very positive effect on your blood sugar and appetite (and mood).  I know that sounds extreme, but replacing those grains with veggies, good quality fats, and healthy meats will give you a lot of nutrient dense calories, which you need to stay healthy, while not adding extra calories from foods that aren't particularly nutritious.  I think that one of the "best" foods for signalling your body that you are getting enough nutrients is to eat 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil per day.  It's like a super food, and will help you absorb fat soluble vitamins.

I have been trying to put weight on, and have had a lot of success very quickly with adding in more carbs. 

[JNajla]

No thyroid issues- I had that checked already and everything is ok.  I'm thinking that perhaps the shift of dieting and being off appetite suppressants is a factor.  I'll look into the traditional/paleo diet that you mentioned.
 

[BabySmurf]

That may be it right there...your body is probably really hungry for nutrients...I would try to focus on things being really nutrient dense, and make sure that you are getting plenty of fat (I know that sounds counter intuitive at first, but trust me, it's a huge factor). 

[willsmomm]

I'm sorry! I definitely am having some of the same issues. I've lost 94 pounds since Feb and was a measly 6 pounds above a normal BMI for the first time in my life when I got pregnant! Very, very frustrating. But I lost it eating a pretty balanced plant-based diet so fortunately I'm able to keep that up for the most part. Although, I do indulge in something I'm craving outside of the diet once a week at least. It is going to be really, really hard for me to see the numbers go up on the scale. My MW had us hide my scale and she wants me to just focus on continuing to eat a healthy diet and make sure I'm getting everything I need. But that also means I can't go crazy and eat unhealthy foods. It's tricky to find a middle ground. So I'm working on that!

The worst part is that my activity has been restricted because of bleeding. I think I'd be happier if I were able to still work out. I'm hoping I can pick that up to some degree here soon. Luckily pregnancy doesn't last forever! We'll make it work!

[TxMommyof3tobe]

Okay - so here are some tips that you may or may not find helpful :) 

Like you, I snack on fruit typically and I don't keep track of the amount I eat of it. It may sound silly, but if I limited myself by serving size on fruit, I would end up eating a bunch of other crap lol. So, if I want 3 servings of watermelon, or 4 clementines, or whatever, I just eat it. I don't believe in watching serving size on the lower calorie fruits and veggies (I watch bananas, plums, pears, potatoes, etc because of the amount of sugar in it).

Over all, I tend to go for a high protein, high fiber diet (I keep an eye on the calories of items so I know ahead of time what things are better choices, but I don't count calories and I don't pay too much attention to anything else). Especially when pregnant - we all know that fiber can help things lol, plus it helps you to stay full longer, similarly protein can help you to feel more full, but it will give you longer lasting energy and it is one of the most important things to a developing baby (somehow protein sometimes gets overlooked a bit). I love things that are high protein but low calorie like tuna with light miracle whip (a can which is usually 2 servings has 100-120 calories depending on the brand, 26 grams of protein, no carbs and only 1 gram of fat which is unsaturated fat) - if you like shrimp, crab, crayfish, or lobster they all are right about the same statistics as long as you don't batter, fry or dip in butter. But yes, I eat those types of things as a snack many times instead of traditional "snack" food - wayyy more nutrient and protein dense! 

Since we shouldn't eat a ton of tuna while preggy, I mix in stuff of like light english muffins with added fiber (fiber helps you to stay full longer and will help regulate you which I am sure you know - but they have 100 calories for a full eng muff, plus 8 grams of fiber and 5 grams of protein, you can use sugar free jelly with fiber which has 3 grams of fiber and only 10 calories per tablespoon, or top it with sliced bananas for some extra potassium!). But generally, when I am buying something like bread, I try to look for the best combination of where the calories are coming from (sometimes I get light/low calorie products, sometimes I don't), but if I see an option for bread with 3 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber verses some that has 2 grams of protein and no fiber - I'll take the first one (although I don't go crazy on price, I don't mind spending a little bit more for a few items). I try to sneak beans in to family dinners as much as possible (I don't eat them by themselves), but it adds 6 grams of fiber and 6 grams of protein roughly with each serving - I love making this Mexican chicken dish that is a lb of chicken breast, 1 can of tomatoes, 1 can of corn, 1 can of black beans, 1 cup of instant rice (you can use many types), plus some cheese and a little bit of seasoning, but you get so many veggies and lots of protein and its a family favorite around here. Not sure if that any of that is applicable or not - just thought I would share! 

On another note, I tend to gain most of weight in the first trimester (totally opposite of what is normal lol). My first one I gained 19 lbs total and 12 lbs was in the first trimester (had him at 37w4d. Birth weight 7lbs 0 oz). My second I gained about 22 lbs (I went 3.5 weeks longer than my first pregnancy - 42w0d. Birth weight 7 lbs 14 oz). If I remember correctly, I gained about 8 or 9 of it in the first trimester, and almost all of the rest in the third trimester. This time around though I am not quite following the same path - I am 10 weeks and only up 1.5 - 2.5 lbs (depending on the day thanks to bloating lol). I have believed that I gain more in the beginning because I started under weight, or on the edge of underweight according to BMIs with all of my pregnancies, I am healthy though, just thin. But I think that I gain more weight in the first trimester because my body is trying to get up to a more normal weight. 

Wow - apparently I am feeling chatting or something today with how long that response was .

[holidaymama]

I don't know if it will make you feel any better, but I was at a low-average bmi, and have gained 10lbs in the first 12 weeks. I have not been nearly as physically active, so that is part of it, but I always gain about 40 lbs. during pregnancy. It may just be your body. This is not the time to stress. I hate gaining weight like anyone, but I know I can get rid of it once baby comes and I am breastfeeding and running more regularly.

[sky_and_lavender]

It sounds like you have struggled with weight and perhaps body image challenges (and you definitely aren't alone!). If you have challenges with emotional eating or distinguishing when you are truly hungry versus feeling in the mood to eat, I'd recommend checking out Shrink Yourself (including the free tool "Pocket Hunger Coach"). Extra weight gain during pregnancy is not healthy for you or the baby and you don't have to overeat or eat unhealthfully to feel emotionally secure. I have never had a BMI over the recommended amount, but by decreasing my emotional eating, I am seeing so many positive impacts on my life. (I didn't do the program that you pay for, although I'm sure I'd benefit more from the paid program. I just read the free book and used the pocket hunger coach to increase my self-awareness around food. If your challenges are big, you might want to try the paid program. I've heard from many people that it is worthwhile.)

[JNajla]

Update:  I'm 153.1 today (was 151.3 on Saturday), so I've lost 'about' 2-3 lbs over the past week or so.  I've substituted the dried fruit/ trail mix with fresh fruit and have craved less carbs, so I think this is why.  (I haven't been 'trying' to lose weight).  My hope is that I can keep the weight gain to 2-4 lbs during my second trimester (I'll be 12 weeks this Thursday).  That will be about a 15 lb weight gain, which will allow me another 5-10 lbs in 3 rd trimester (I'm ok with 20-25 lbs total).  I'd like to stick closer to 20, but we'll see.  I also have felt energetic enough to do more walking so I think that has helped too. 
 

[BabySmurf]

Yay! I think the most important thing you can do for yourself and your baby is to listen to your body while making smart/nutrient dense food choices, and try not to stress too much :) I'm glad that you are feeling better - it's amazing to feel *almost* normal again, huh?

[holidaymama]

Great work mama! Glad you are feeling better. I've read a lot lately about some women gaining a lot the first trimester and then not much during the 2nd. I am thinking that is what happened to me last time, except then in the third I gained a ton but some was water weight.

[MommyThea]

Don't forget that some of the weight could be early pregnancy bloat that will naturally decrease in the next couple of weeks.  
I also make it a point not to weigh myself, and my midwife doesn't ask me to either. Just to eat as many nutrient rich foods as I can, and to excercise 1/2hr each day

[JNajla]

My weight gain has tapered a bit. I was up to +18 lbs but now back to +13 lbs at 12.5 weeks (which is still too much)-with the biggest difference being that I'm not hungry all the time like I was weeks 7-10. I'm thinking that I'll not gain much in 2nd trimester and save the last pounds of weight gain for the 3rd trimester.