Appropriate weight gain?

michelleepotter

Ok, pre-pregnancy I was a little heavier that I'd like to be, but not technically overweight. In the first couple of weeks after I found out I was pregnant, I somehow gained ten pounds, despite the fact that I could barely choke down a few bites at every meal, and half of that came back up. I honestly don't know how that happened. (Admittedly, I wasn't logging at the time.) That did make me technically overweight, but just barely.

Since then, I've been logging my food and trying to get back in the habit of eating better. I still indulge my cravings somewhat, but I mostly stay within my calories. I feel full, and healthy, and ever since I entered the second trimester I've gotten a lot more energy. My morning sickness has been gone for weeks. I did not increase my calories as I had planned when I hit the second trimester, because I still feel like I'm getting plenty to eat. I don't want to get back in the habit of making myself eat when I'm full (which I used to do). I haven't gained a single pound since those first couple of weeks, but I feel great.

I don't want to deprive my baby, but is it ok if I'm not gaining and not increasing my calories if I feel like I'm getting plenty to eat and have plenty of energy?

lisapr123

Check with your MD. I'm overweight and he said I should still expect to gain several lbs per month in the 2nd trimester. I didn't gain (outside of my normal fluctuations) in the 1st. I was eating ~1700 per day until today when I switched to maintenance because I found myself going over a few times last week. I'm nearly 16 weeks and am guessing I'm up ~4 lbs this past month....I'll find out for sure at my checkup tomorrow.

TinaBean007

At my first appt my Dr gave me a height/weight chart and talked about weight gain, calorie intake, etc. I also started out in the "just barely overweight" category. (20lbs overweight at conception) I've gained 15lbs in 26 weeks. (11 being in the 2nd tri) and my Dr is completely happy with it. Not sure if it's the same for you though. Be very open and honest with your Dr and ask them a lot of questions. If they don't give you a chart, you can find some online... just be careful of their credibility.

The most important priority is that your baby is getting nutrients from your diet not just calories. I started out with the following plan:

1st tri: Maintenance + 100 Cal
2nd tri: Maintenance + 200 Cal
3rd tri: Maintenance + 300 Cal

Admittingly, I don't track my calories most days anymore as I pretty much eat the same things all the time. Good luck!

Jennloella

you should always check with your Dr, but if you feel good you are fine. I lost 30 pounds in the first 16 weeks because I was so sick I kept nothing down and was on an IV for several months, my baby still took what she needed to grow and has measured a week ahead for most of the pregnancy. Being induced next week and can't wait for it to be over. Nutrients go to baby first!

Torgrills

Definitely check with your OB. I'm a nurse and I don't even trust my own judgment with appropriate weight gain, so I told her my concerns at my last appointment and she gave me excellent guidelines and recommendations. It's difficult to say what's appropriate given the vast variations in body types and medical histories.

michelleepotter

Well, I did see my doctor today, and he was happy with my gain so far. Luckily he's not the micro-managing type. So we'll see how it goes!

lisapr123

Well, I did see my doctor today, and he was happy with my gain so far. Luckily he's not the micro-managing type. So we'll see how it goes!

Yay! I saw mine yesterday too and he gave me guidelines but said good nutrition & exercise are more important than the number on the scale. Good luck for a healthy & happy pregnancy!

helenmelon29

Its different over here in the UK as we get weighed at 10 weeks pregnant (at our booking in appointment with midwife) and then not again at all! I did weigh myself throughout and gained 32lb. (20lb by 20 weeks though). You also dont see a doctor for any checks unless there is any problems (you just see the midwife)

I ate at maintenance until last tri and was told to add 200 cals. Seemed to work well for me.

In my experience I wouldn't worry too much and just go with how you feel. If you feel you are eating well and enough then I would continue. Obviously if you are worried you should check with your doctor.

Hope everything goes well.

Amandajp79

I never increased my calorie intake. My maintenance at this point is 1880 so that is plenty for me. I eat tons of GOOD food and I am never hungry. I have only gone over my daily a handful of times, during the growth spurts. I just made sure I 'checked in' with my weight gain. I'm 39w 5d and have gained 29lbs. I started at 159lbs and I'm 5'5 so I was a bit over weight to begin with but I carry it well :bigsmile:

kristapennie

I didn't up my calories either...in fact my doctor told me I don't eat to eat any extra calories. So I set myself at maintenance and I've been real careful not to go under if I can help it.
Then I found out I was glucose intolerant....which has caused me to eat as per a specific nutrition plan that has me watching grams of carbs per meal/snack.
My pre-pregnancy weight was 176lbs and last I weighed in at 189lbs
Every body is different and I recommend a chat with your doctor

kellykneppergrundy

I haven't added any additional calories either. I eat to maintainence + exercise calories and have done since second trimester. I've gained 17 pounds at 36 weeks and I'm happy with that. Much better than the 42 I put on with my first. If I'm really hungry I'll eat more, but that doesn't happen often. I'm in the UK too and they really don't care what you gain.