Overweight, losing during pregnancy

kalyrra

Hey all! Pregnant with #2, due in October.

A little background: I've had problems with being overweight most of my life. I'm 5'10", and I was around 170 for most of my high school/college days. That took a controlled effort to maintain! I started a swing shift job behind a desk, and skyrocketed to a shocking 260 lbs in less than 2 years. I got engaged, and managed to drop back down to 185 by the wedding... afterwards, I managed to maintain around 190 with a LOT of effort. Then I got pregnant. I weighed 236 when I had my son. Within 8 weeks, I was down to 205. I quit weighing myself because I obsessed over it. Over the next year, I went back up to 252 lbs.

Jan. 1st, I took control again and managed to get down to 237 before I got pregnant again. I went back up to 241 in the first 6 weeks... until morning sickness started. With all the nausea, and making a concentrated effort to eat healthy I'm down to 234. I'm trying really hard not to "diet", but I'm being very careful with what I eat and I log all my food at the end of the day. I'm averaging between 1300 and 1600 calories.

I know you're not supposed to diet... but is there anything wrong with weight loss as long as you're eating healthy? I'm assuming the loss is from me cutting out all the junk food and soda.... but I want to make sure I'm not intentionally cutting calories. The OB said I can only gain 10-15 lbs, and I know I'm going to fly past it if I eat the same way I did with my first pregnancy!

Sorry this was so long, but I feel like I'm stuck between a rock and hard place with trying not to gain weight but at the same time, stay healthy for the little one....

meggwyn

Gosh, thats a tough one. I, personally, feel 1300-1600 calories are way too low, but I eat a lot! lol I think most people set it at maintenance for the first trimester and then up it a few hundred for the 2nd and 3rd trimesters, when the baby is really filling out. If you don't feel comfortable eating at maintenance, I would ask your doctor (or a nutritionist) what would be a safe amount of calories. I think eating at maintenance should allow you to gain a moderate amount (that you need to for baby, placenta, blood volume, etc) and quickly lose it all within weeks/months of giving birth. (In other words, you won't be putting on fat!) Congratulations by the way!

DawnieB1977

I also think 1300-1600 calories are too low. Before pregnancy I was eating 1500 calories to lose, and I'm only 5'6. I guess it depends how much you exercise though.

I was overweight at the start of my last pregnancy and I gained too much. But I lost it all, and more, and started this pregnancy (my 3rd) smaller than I started my first pregnancy in 2008.

Just eat sensibly and exercise when you can, and try not to worry too much about the scale. I guess I'm lucky as I live in England where they don't check your weight at all, apart from at the booking appointment.

kalyrra

Thanks! Believe it or not when I was in maintenance, I was around 1500 calories. I'm not counting my calories and limiting them... I'm just logging all my food at the end of the day and that's where I'm ending up. I'm sure once the morning sickness is past, I'll start getting more in...

I'll be honest, I'm not trying to lose the weight, but I'm not heart broken about it either.... lol

Nique85

Hi there! I also started this pregnancy off overweight. 207. So I set my calorie goals to loss .5 a week. which put me at 1700 calories. In your first trimester you don't need much. I only gained 5 lbs in my first trimester. In the second trimester I upped it to 1800-1900 calories. 1300-1600 does seem on the low side, however if you doctor approves it then it should be okay.

tiggerhammon

I really think that is too low!
I am eating a ton right now! Granted, I am not really limiting myself on calories much because I eat healthy, my doctor is not concerned and I am not gaining too much. I have quit counting but I know I am eating around 2000-2500 calories a day and I weigh less than you!

Basically, the way I have been monitoring myself is with the scale. Every few days I weigh myself - almost always the results are the same - a fraction of a point gain. As long as it keeps doing that I don't change a thing. There have been a couple weekends I went overboard - all you can eat restaurant and steak and eggs for breakfast in one day - and when weighing myself on Monday I saw a 3lb gain. I just make a mental note to be careful about eating like that and I move on. As long as my weight gain stays steady and reasonable, I keep eating healthy options and my doctor doesn't say anything then I am not going to stress it.

TLCEsq

I'm not counting my calories and limiting them... I'm just logging all my food at the end of the day and that's where I'm ending up.

I personally think this is fine as long as you aren't intentionally limiting calories. Definitely don't do that! I am almost 32 weeks and my morning sickness hit me hard again with a bang over the weekend - worst than the first trimester. I am feeling better today but don't have any appetite. I was eating 2500+ and then the past three days barely made it to 1200. Just focus on eating healthy foods and if your body is dropping weight from that and your doctor isn't concerned, that's good. Don't start to obsess over it and intentionally limit yourself and baby though, that's where you can get into dangerous territory and I hate to say it but there are a few women on here who are doing that. Not this thread but these boards, that I've noticed.

angmarie28

if you are overweight, losing weight the first few months is normal, but 1300 is too low, i would aim for atleast 1800-2000

kalyrra

Thanks, all! I appreciate the different viewpoints. Gives me a lot to think about. I have an OB appt on Tuesday, and I'll ask her about it then. I'm sure she'll say it's fine as long as I'm not intentionally dieting... just due to the morning sickness, I'm not eating as much as normal. If she says I have to up my calories, I have no idea how I'll manage.... some days I'm lucky to be hitting what I am! Can't wait for 2nd Tri!

The only "dieting" that I'm doing is to make sure I'm not eating junk food like I used to, and I definitely think that contributed to the weight loss. I'm reaching for cold fresh fruit instead of candy, etc... so that probably helps!

I think I'll just monitor my weight, and if I keep seeing losses, and no plateau I'll try to increase something somewhere. Maybe an extra serving of protein, or something? I just don't want to eat when I'm not actually hungry, it doesn't feel good. lol

I used to plan out my meals for the day, and see where I hit calorie-wise to make sure I was good. Maybe I need to start doing that to make sure I'm hitting at least a certain amount instead of logging at the end of the day and finding that I'm short.

Mslmesq

Here is a pregnancy calorie calculator for you. http://www.freedieting.com/tools/pregnancy_calorie_calculator.htm First trimester is at maintenance, then it adds on 200-400 for 2nd, 3rd trimester. I can tell you that I'm only 5'1" and I'm eating average 2000 calories in my second trimester with exercise factored in. I've been gaining well according to the normal weight gain schedule. With your height, I think you might need more calories, even if you just set it to maintenance for all three trimesters. Also, I liked the book what to eat when your expecting for great healthy food choices advice. They might have it at the library too.

Good luck and congrats.

kikibyrd

I feel like I'm in a similar position as you. I'm overweight and pregnant, and I have been hitting a little under my cal count a day. It's not intentional. I just have completely changed that way I'm eating. Good to know someone else is experiencing this. Thanks for posting!

TLCEsq

I used to plan out my meals for the day, and see where I hit calorie-wise to make sure I was good. Maybe I need to start doing that to make sure I'm hitting at least a certain amount instead of logging at the end of the day and finding that I'm short.

I make the mistake of thinking everyone does this since I do it too. I plan and log continuously throughout the day. That should definitely help you.

Miska_

I'm 5'5 and started my pregnancy at 192 lbs.

Like you, my doc said 10-15 lbs max.

I eat 1800 calories a day and log them, only to make sure I am eating enough and that I'm making healthy choices.

HeyNikkita

I'm 5'5 and started my pregnancy at 192 lbs.

Like you, my doc said 10-15 lbs max.

I eat 1800 calories a day and log them, only to make sure I am eating enough and that I'm making healthy choices.

Me too... 5'5" and started at 190 (obese according to the BMI chart). I have my calories set to 1780. I usually eat most of my exercise calories back. I am never starving and I usually gross 2000-2200 calories/day.
I am currently 26W and still attempting to net 1780 calories.

Feel free to add me, people. LMK you are from this board.

rhye

I think it's fine, as long as:
1.) As you said, you aren't trying to eat a low number of calories. You just happen to not be needing more.
2.) If you have a day/week/month where you are hungry and your body is asking for more, you give it that.
I had a very low appetite for a while and then every once in a while I would have a week where I could not stop eating things. I was pretty freaked out by that but it was a passing phase and I've learned it equals out pretty well. Just listen to your body.

supaflyjoy

I think your body will tell you if you aren't getting enough calories. Whenever i get busy and forget to eat enough I get so fatigued and exhausted! My sister dieted her entire pregnancy and majorly limited her calories. She slept until 10 am, and then napped from 1-3 and went to bed at 8:30. She didn't work or have kids. So unhealthy! So stay satisfied but make lots of good, healthy choices with protein in every meal and snack, work out, and walk a lot, but rest on days that you feel the need and you may find yourself with a lower weight post birth than pre pregnancy.

auntkk28

Thank you for sharing that website Mslmsq, very helpful and I'll need it to calculate my calories when I switch over to breastfeeding

kalyrra

Thank you for sharing that website Mslmsq, very helpful and I'll need it to calculate my calories when I switch over to breastfeeding

Believe it or not, out of the 40 extra lbs I'm carrying, only about 15 were from my first pregnancy... the rest I gained while I was breastfeeding! I don't know if it's the same for everyone, but I felt like I couldn't eat enough! I was stark raving mad hungry all the time... no one told me that would happen while nursing! (of course, I ate all junk because we didn't have a working kitchen for the first 6 months. Lots of bagels and high carb foods. Bad bad bad...)

I lost weight for the first couple months after birth, but as soon as LO cut out the night feedings, I started gaining because I didn't adjust my calories to compensate the fewer nursings. (Just as an FYI if this is your first!) I'll be sure to keep that in mind this time around... lol

kalyrra

I think your body will tell you if you aren't getting enough calories. Whenever i get busy and forget to eat enough I get so fatigued and exhausted! My sister dieted her entire pregnancy and majorly limited her calories. She slept until 10 am, and then napped from 1-3 and went to bed at 8:30. She didn't work or have kids. So unhealthy! So stay satisfied but make lots of good, healthy choices with protein in every meal and snack, work out, and walk a lot, but rest on days that you feel the need and you may find yourself with a lower weight post birth than pre pregnancy.

My concern with not getting enough calories is hurting baby's growth. I don't know how extreme it has to be before that starts happening? Obviously I'm not dieting, but I might as well be with the limited calories I'm eating right now. I'm 11 weeks now, so I'm hoping in the next week or two, the morning sickness will subside and I'll be able to stomach more.

I have a major issue with getting enough protein. I need to work on that...

DawnieB1977

I think your body will tell you if you aren't getting enough calories. Whenever i get busy and forget to eat enough I get so fatigued and exhausted! My sister dieted her entire pregnancy and majorly limited her calories. She slept until 10 am, and then napped from 1-3 and went to bed at 8:30. She didn't work or have kids. So unhealthy! So stay satisfied but make lots of good, healthy choices with protein in every meal and snack, work out, and walk a lot, but rest on days that you feel the need and you may find yourself with a lower weight post birth than pre pregnancy.

My concern with not getting enough calories is hurting baby's growth. I don't know how extreme it has to be before that starts happening? Obviously I'm not dieting, but I might as well be with the limited calories I'm eating right now. I'm 11 weeks now, so I'm hoping in the next week or two, the morning sickness will subside and I'll be able to stomach more.

I have a major issue with getting enough protein. I need to work on that...

Babies take what they need first, so it's you who will suffer for not having enough calories. Even women in third world countries give birth to healthy babies.

It'll be easier when you're not nauseous any more. I found the first 14 weeks really tough.

shannonbrandy

I had the same concerns so I read through this post and found it very helpful. I'm 5'5", and at my heaviest weight ever - 203! I weigh more today than I did when I was 9 months pregnant with both of my babies so I'm SO worried about gaining! Thanks for all the helpful advice! I had my calories set at 1250 and thought I'd up it to 1550 during pregnancy but it seems I'd still be too low - glad to hear this since I have literally been so hungry during my 2nd trimester! (Due Sept 10th).

kcasey155

My daughter (fifth child) is now five months, but I was overweight when starting out my pregnancy with her. At 207lbs I was obese for my height (5ft 5"). I set my calories to maintenance, ate healthily and continued to exercise. I took a good pregnancy multivitamin and always ate at least half of my exercise calories. I was eating over 2000 calories a day and continued to lose weight like that until I hit 20 weeks. I didn't change the way I ate at that point nor increased my calories, but I guess baby was growing and I was naturally starting to slow down. From that low point at 20 weeks to the end of my pregnancy I gained 15lbs. I ended the pregnancy at 40 weeks around the same weight I was when starting the pregnancy. I was so much healthier at the end than at the beginning. I'm just saying that it's possible, under supervision, to continue to lose a bit of weight safely during the first and second trimester. Do run it by your healthcare supervisor though and be sensible about it.

kalyrra

I have an OB appt tomorrow, and I'll be running it by her. My OB is pretty laid back, though, so I'm sure she'll say it's fine. I was in the "obese" category anyway. I'm taking a good prenatal vitamin and trying to make sure that I'm getting a well-rounded selection of foods in when I do actually feel like eating.

The past couple days, my morning sickness wasn't quite as bad, so I'm hoping over the next week or two, it will subside altogether. I'm still losing weight, though. I've lost 10 lbs since my last appointment, 4 weeks ago. I still think that one of the biggest reasons is because I changed eating styles. No more candy, junk food, or regular soda. I usually lose about 10-15 lbs whenever I get back on the wagon and cut all that junk out.

I checked on MFP's goal settings, and it says maintenance for me is around 2300 calories??!! That can't be right, can it? lol On the other calculator that was posted here, it says around 1900 calories for 1st Tri for me. 2300 for 3rd Tri. I'm more inclined to believe that one.

MandyMason7

I'm 5'7", I was 185 pre-pregnancy and am down to 168 at 32 weeks. Dr isn't concerned because baby is healthy, he does comment about how I've lost weight at every appointment but the second I lay back so he can do my exam his first words are always "baby is DEFINITELY growing" and then we once again discuss my exercise routine (non-impact kickboxing twice a week, Zumba once a week, the elliptical 2-3 times a week, and walking for a minimum of an hour 5 days a week). I am being sent for a growth ultrasound next week just to confirm that baby is where he should be but I'm not expecting any issues.

Momma2CharlieJane

It sounds low, but if you aren't feeling hungry or purposely not eating more to avoid gaining weight, you should be fine. You may find that you'll want to up your calories when you get to the third trimester. I haven't really gained all that much weight, but I am eating healthy and my MW is happy with the baby's growth so far. I'm not exercising (the weather is starting to get nicer now though) so I don't feel like I have the constant hunger pain like I did with my first (I walked a ton when I was pg with her). I'm spreading out my meals and snacks and am trying to eat high protein foods - I had diabetes with my first and though I passed the three hour test this time around, I still have to really watch what I eat because I can tell when my sugar is higher than it should be. As long as your doctor isn't concerned, then you should be good. She should be able to tell you what she thinks you should be eating for calories a day.

JennypegMarie

I'm in the same situation as you guys,

I'm 5"4 and 195lbs my calories was set at 1400, I've increased to 1500 but eating more like 1600.. Because I'm so hungry.

I'm not going to change my numbers but eat until I'm satisfied because it is so hard knowing what to do when you've been obese and needing to lose weight. No one wants there baby's growth to suffer but dr's don't seem to help in this avenue.

My midwife was happy for me to remain on here, but to increase by a few hundred.

I am now 13 wks and into my 2nd trimester I haven't gained anything yet. I believe that will come though!. Congrats to any newly pregnant MFP peeps!

kalyrra

I'm sorry there are others struggling the same way I am... but it's nice to know I'm not alone!

We had our first ultrasound today, baby is doing great. My OB wasn't concerned about my low caloric intake. She said that when I felt up to it, somewhere between 1800-2000 calories should be my target. But she's not concerned about the weight loss or nutrition at all, baby will still get what it needs.

So I guess I'll just continue what I have been doing... eating when I'm hungry and able, and not worry about it when I'm nauseous or not hungry. The morning sickness will pass eventually, and I know my appetite will return. lol

Verity1111

I'm 5'4" and to maintain or not gain a lot during pregnancy..I eat about 1500-1700 during the first trimester, 1700-1800 during the second trimester and 1800-1900 (or 2000 if I feel like it lol) during the third trimester... I have never started a pregnancy even close to 200lbs and I am shorter, so I would think you need at least what I do.. However, everyone is different. I recommend bumping up to 1700+ calories at least.. at least eat healthy and don't deprive yourself if you are actually hungry. Good luck.

kalyrra

Well, the morning sickness is finally almost gone. Just random flare ups now and then... my weight has mostly stabilized, with minor fractions of loss here and there. I think that's more from eating healthy than deprivation, though. When I'm hungry, I eat. When I'm not, I don't. I'm averaging more around 1500-1600 calories now instead of the 12-1300 when I was sick.

TheNewoImproved

I'm really grateful for this thread. I'm pregnant with my first child and I'm overweight. I'm terribly worried about losing, gaining, working out, not working out, etc. I know that a doctor could give me good advice, but it's just nice to know there are others in the same boat.

kalyrra

I'm really grateful for this thread. I'm pregnant with my first child and I'm overweight. I'm terribly worried about losing, gaining, working out, not working out, etc. I know that a doctor could give me good advice, but it's just nice to know there are others in the same boat.

Congrats! Most doctors will probably give you the same advice. Don't intentionally cut calories, eat healthy, and do moderate exercise like walking, swimming, etc... that isn't too strenuous (if you weren't already working out consistently), and nothing that could cause you to fall (skiing, etc...)

When are you due?