Newly Pregnant and learning about my nutrition needs

Jo2926

Hi Everyone

I've recently found out I'm pregnant - 6 weeks gone! I am starting out as obese (240lbs, 5ft 6) and whilst this is obviously far from ideal I'm determined to have the healthiest pregnancy possible!

There is so much confusing information out there for obese mummy's to be, from gaining only a small amount, to maintaining pregnancy weight, to even losing! My doctor was not very helpful so I went to see a nutritionalist. Not much better - the plan she suggested, whilst full of great foods, averaged 1200 calories a day (my maintenance calories are over 2000!). So for now I've decided to not worry too much about calories and focus on quality of food - cut out processed and sugary foods, eat lots of wholegrains and good fats, and of course lots of veggies.

Next thing on my list to worry about it exercise. I currently don't do any so I'm thinking of starting with some light walking.

Hoping to meet some other pregnant ladies on here to share ideas with - but all and any advice is welcome!

JenniferOBX5

I am not pregnant now, I have a 2 year old.

I started out my pregnancy at 238 lbs. I had an OB/GYN and midwife that actually wanted me to gain 25 lbs. I ended up gaining 18 lbs and was 227 lbs, when I first stepped on the scale 2 weeks post partum. I got an extra ultrasound at one point because I had my gained enough at my 36 week appointment. My little girl was 7 lbs at birth and healthy. Never had any issues with her growth.

I do wish I would have ate more healthy during pregnancy. I almost failed my glucose test because I was eating jelly beans and twisslers all the time. I also wish I would have walked 30 minutes a day. Both would have probably made delivery and the first year much easier on me.

I know some OB/GYNs want obese women to gain, others maintain, others lose weight. I am not sure which is the best answer but this was my experience.

NostalgicMuse

Pregnant with #3 here, 22 weeks.

It's best to maintain if possible, but my doc said ok to gain, just not as much as if I started at my ideal weight. So, I'm shooting for no more than 20# above my starting point.

it sounds like you're being smart about eating realistically and making good choices. Remember to take your vitamins and drink lots of water! Walking every day won't be something you regret.

Good luck, and wishing you a happy, healthy pregnancy!

br0906

Congrats! I am 8 weeks pregnant with #2. I had just reached my goal weight when I found out about this suprise so I switched to maintanance, but have decided that if it is something that I really want and isn't too terrible for me, I am going to eat it! I haven't had an appointment with the OB yet, but my goal is to only gain what I have to in order for baby and me to be healty.

ParkerH47

I think your plan sounds great!!! focus on quality for now and incorporate exercise, sounds perfect. I have a textbook that covers pregnancy and weight gain etc... I will look into for you when I get the chance!

xcalygrl

If you're going to incorporate exercise, start now. It's usually not suggested that you begin exercising when you're pregnant since your body is already experiencing a ton of changes. The rule of thumb I've always read/heard/been told is to keep up the level of activity you had before getting pregnant to the best of your ability, but don't try to add anything new to it.

ETA: Adding a daily walk is a good idea, but I (personally) wouldn't try to add much else if you haven't been working out previously.

AllonsYtotheTardis

I recommend this book. It's written by the same ob-gyn team who wrote "What to Expect when you're expecting". Lots of really solid, easy to understand nutrition information in this book. I found it really helpful.

Holly_Roman_Empire

You sound like you have a good plan, but if you want to eat processed foods, there's no need to feel guilty about it. You WILL have cravings, and it's okay to indulge! First of all, take a prenatal vitamin if you aren't yet, and make sure to get plenty of protein and fats for the growing baby.

I agree with the above saying to start exercise now. Your ligaments and joints are going to be loose now to accommodate the baby, so don't do anything too high impact. You should be able to continue doing what you have already done, but don't jump into a step aerobic class at 6 months pregnant if you've never done it before, okay?

Congrats!

PippiNe

Your plan to eat healthy sounds perfect! Adding walking into your daily activity is definitely a great idea. While you are eating for 2 now, I was always told (I've had 5 kids) that your body really only needs 400 more calories per day to support the new life you now carry. 400 calories is not a whole lot, so just make sure what you are putting in your body is a well-balanced diet and everything should turn out just fine. Congratulations to you!!

mommyrunning

Congrats. My midwife said to try to maintain for the first trimester but some gain is okay and normal. Here's a calculator and an article on weight during pregnancy:

http://www.babycenter.com/pregnancy-weight-gain-estimator

http://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/healthy-weight-gain

Most weight gain during pregnancy is not fat gain.

Where Does the Extra Weight Go During Pregnancy?
Baby: 8 pounds
Placenta: 2-3 pounds
Amniotic fluid: 2-3 pounds
Breast tissue: 2-3 pounds
Blood supply: 4 pounds
Stored fat for delivery and breastfeeding: 5-9 pounds
Larger uterus: 2-5 pounds
Total: 25-35 pounds

michaeljacksonfan333

Your nutritionist recommended a plan that average 1200 calories a day?! That seems like way too little for a pregnant woman!!

tiona83

I walked A LOT and I really do think it helped with the pregnancy and delivery. I did add more walking why I was pregnant but not a lot more. Breast-feeding was the best quick weight loss miracle I ever experienced. I was around 180 to 190 when I got pregnant and could fit into my jeans in less than a week after having my first. I did not experience any milk depletion why loosing weight and feeding but I also did not deprive myself of to many calories.

FatFreeFrolicking

Being obese and pregnant puts you at a greater risk of complications. So it would be in your best interest and the baby's best interest to maintain your current weight or lose weight. I know plenty of obese women who have lost weight while being pregnant. Since your nutritionist recommended a 1200 calorie plan, it would appear as though she is pushing for you to lose weight.

Try to avoid processed foods as much as possible. Stick to whole foods primarily. Eating processed foods on a 1200 calorie diet won't come out to very much food. However, eating whole foods which are typically lower calorie, greater nutrient content, and more fiber, will allow you to consume larger quantities.

Definitely start exercising now. Since you don't do any kind of exercise already, start light.

kate1103

Congratulations on being preggo!! I'm definitely no expert on pregnancy (I'm a little over 38 weeks with my first), but my experience with weight gain was not what's recommended at all! I gained almost 15 pounds the first trimester, about 25 more the second trimester, and I've gained about 5 in the third trimester. I was concerned about my weight already when I was about 10 weeks pregnant, and I asked my OB about it a couple of times, and she just kept saying, "don't worry about it, let us worry about it, just eat what you can (I guess nausea makes a lot of women lose in the first trimester, but I found that eating was one of the few things that helped my nausea so I was gaining weight but not enjoying my food at all)." Then all of a sudden at about 28 weeks, I must have gone over some magical number limit and she was like, "what's up with your weight?" I actually ended up changing care providers and now see a midwife (we moved, but I was happy to switch!). Now I focus on getting enough Vitamin A, Vitamin C, salt, and especially protein, and don't worry so much about the weight. I wish I would have worried more about nutrients and less about weight gain the first two trimesters, but I'm much happier now! I didn't stay in the 25-35 pound recommended gain, but I feel that I did the right thing for me and my baby, and I hope you can find the right calorie range/weight gain amount for you!

Jo2926

Pregnant with #3 here, 22 weeks.

It's best to maintain if possible, but my doc said ok to gain, just not as much as if I started at my ideal weight. So, I'm shooting for no more than 20# above my starting point.

Congratulations! I think 20 is probably a good number - I will probably try for something similar

Jo2926

Congrats! I am 8 weeks pregnant with #2. I had just reached my goal weight when I found out about this suprise so I switched to maintanance, but have decided that if it is something that I really want and isn't too terrible for me, I am going to eat it! I haven't had an appointment with the OB yet, but my goal is to only gain what I have to in order for baby and me to be healty.

Congrats to you too! I think you are right that if you want it and its not too bad go for it. I did something similar tonight, I REALLY wanted a pudding so I made homemade banana custard. And it turned out reasonably healthy except the sugar!

Jo2926

ETA: Adding a daily walk is a good idea, but I (personally) wouldn't try to add much else if you haven't been working out previously.

THANKS! Thats what I was thinking - don't want to overtax my body. Will start really slowly, say 10 mins every other day and stay at that until i see the midwife again

Jo2926

Your nutritionist recommended a plan that average 1200 calories a day?! That seems like way too little for a pregnant woman!!

Thats what her plan added up to - when I asked her about it she said calories aren't important its quality of food. Which I agree with, but only to an extent.

Jo2926

Congratulations on being preggo!! I'm definitely no expert on pregnancy (I'm a little over 38 weeks with my first),

You must be getting excited now! Its only just starting to sink in really with me. Sorry to hear about your experience with the midwife - I guess thats one of my worries being shouted at for being too fat, but it must be just as bad to be told not to worry rather than being helped and listened to.

Good look with the next stage and congrats to you too!

joianett

I did not start my pregnancy overweight but what if you ask your nutritionist about the diet for Gestational Diabetes? A lot of women who follow that either do not gain at all (in a healthy way) or actually lose weight. The numbers are broken out by carbs, protein, etc and it's my understanding that the focus is remaining on the lower end of carbohydrates and the carbohydrates you do take in are what the experts consider healthy carbs. Oh, also, when you do eat carbs, eat protein with it as that helps the carb break down in your body properly, so I am told :0)

I am 36-37 weeks pregnant and have watched my carb in take throughout pregnancy.

NessaR2011

I just found out I was pregnant yesterday! Congrats to all that are too! I wonder if there's a group for us preggos on MFP?

Ninkyou

I just found out I was pregnant yesterday! Congrats to all that are too! I wonder if there's a group for us preggos on MFP?

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/forums/show/1920-fit-fabulous-pregnant-


I'm 12 weeks, 4 days pregnant today. I've gained about half a pound between fluctuations. I'm no longer Obese after spending the past year losing weight, but I am still overweight. I'm shooting for no more than 25 lbs gain. I still track all the foods I eat on MFP, even though alot of days have been over. Cravings have been my pitfall, really. I ate pretty well before pregnancy, but since being pregnant, that pretty much went out the window. I can barely even look at raw meat let alone cook it to eat it. I've been having alot of processed foods and/or takeout. I just keep it within my calorie limit. I eat between 1800-2000 calories.

I guess my point is, plan to eat well, but if you can't stomach it (aversions) or if you have cravings, it's okay to give in. Just do it mindfully, and when you get to the point where you CAN reintroduce those foods, then do it.

Also, walking is great exercise. You may also want to think of taking a prenatal swim class, as it's also low impact. I did with my first and it kept me relatively active everyday (though back then I was in no way watching what I ate, so I gained like 40 lbs). There was also alot of sciatica work. I think it really helped alot for delivery.

artslady96

Congratulations moms-to-be. Like OP, I am overweight and 8-weeks pregnant. My nutritionist has recommended a 1400 daily diet to encourage weight loss in the first trimester, but she also stressed that food quality and food balance (carbohydrate with a protein or a healthy fat) was more important than food quantity. She also told me that each day does not need to be perfect and that I should NEVER go hungry since that will make worse symptoms like fatigue and nausea. She also said that weight gain in the second and third trimester is healthy and inevitable unless I loose an unhealthy amount of weight. So, the take-away I got is to eat healthy and listen to your body. Eat if you are hungry, but do not eat for two merely out of perceived obligation. So far, I have lost seven pounds, but I should add here that I have two hormonal imbalances that contribute (though do not completely create) my weight issue and that pregnancy has helped my metabolism fix itself.

Good luck everyone, and feel free to friend me so we can support each other on our journeys.

NessaR2011

I'm overweight (now) but I was obese with my son. My OB didn't recommend anything other than a balance diet. I don't want to gain as much as I did with my son though. It was too much. I've switched my diary settings to maintain for now and I don't think I can eat as much as it suggests. I'm going to try for 17-1800 for now and see how that goes (up from 13-1500). I'm still going to walk, jog and do some light aerobics as long as my energy holds out.

Patrick0321

In for the tips to pass onto my wife (4 maybe 5 weeks pregnant)

NessaR2011

Aww congrats Patrick!!

Amalthea8284

Congratulations! I am currently 24 weeks pregnant with my third, and I am contributing to this thread to say: EXERCISE! You have a very physically demanding task to do (labor and birth) in a relatively short amount of time. With my first, I was too tired and unmotivated to make exercise a priority. This was a huge mistake. Not only did I gain too much weight, my overall health suffered. An appropriate amount of exercise is essential for a healthy pregnancy. Regular exercise will decrease the physical pain you may experience as your belly grows. It will help you have the energy and stamina needed for labor and it will help you heal faster after the birth. Seriously, I cannot stress enough how important SOME exercise is.

As far as amount goes, since you have not been doing any thing, yes, ease into it. What you need to focus on is perceived exertion. That is, how hard do you feel you are working? Can you breath? Don't work so hard you cannot carry on a conversation-remember you are breathing for two also. How hot are you? I never work so hard that I get too hot, I take breaks whenever I feel I need them. My activity of choice is the elliptical. I did not have a regular fitness routine until into my second trimester, but I made the effort every day. I worked for twenty minutes at a time a first, but at a very leisurely pace. I suggest you try the same, always making sure that you are paying attention to how you feel. Stop if you are in pain. Rest if you need to. I have worked my selfup to a moderate pace for up to an 90 minutes with breaks as I need them. And plenty of water! I know that I am stronger and experiencing less physical discomfort than with my other, less active pregnancies. I am hoping I can cope with labor better as well.! Good luck! I know you can do it!

sdsmart

Congratulations!!!

I am 30 weeks pregnant with my first baby and was about 5lbs above my goal weight at the start of pregnancy. I had gained 22lbs by 28 weeks and my OB referred me to a dietician because she thought I was gaining too much weight. . I've just done the test for gestational diabetes and have no problems there.

The dietician put me on a high carbohydrate, low fat diet with 1200 calories a day. For the first couple days on that I felt really unwell, couldn't sleep through the night and started to get headaches. I decided that was not going to work for me so I have been back to tracking my food and making sure that I get lots of fresh fruit, vegetables and good protein. I've settled around 1600-1800 calories a day and my weight has been stable for the last couple weeks.

I exercised regularly before pregnancy and have managed to keep that up. I do light resistance training with weights, spinning and yoga. I aim for 5-6 sessions a week.

I was probably indulging in treats and second helpings a little too much beforehand which caused some extra weight gain. If you keep up with your food diary and tracking you probably won't have that problem!

Good luck!

MyChocolateDiet

Congratulations! I'm sorry your OB was not very helpful on the weight issue? I think I'd bring up weight at your next meeting and see if you can't get her to refer you to an OB with specific experience with overweight pregnancy?

I'm thinking that the nutritionist is keeping in mind risks with overweight pregnancies and has you on that eating plan in an effort to have you put on less than the usual weight a non overweight person puts on. Ask her. Directly. Call her tomorrow and without being accusatory simply ask..."I want to make a weight chart for my fridge and want to understand what we are achieving with my eating plan, am i meant to gain, maintain, or lose wieght during my pregnancy on this plan? At what rate".

It's a legitimate question and once you are on the same page it will make more sense and she may have time to go into whatever her goals for you are. And whatever risks she may be trying to avoid.

My sister had a difficult pregnancy second time and something diabetes related. She was overweight with both her pregnancies.

That book you were recommended seems like a good one I had the standard version and found it very helpful.

I also had a chart on my fridge to gain just the amount of weight recommended as I started out slightly overweight due to a surgery shortly prior to my pregnancy which put a little extra weight on me.

As for the exercise generally the rule is that you can do whatever you were doing prior.

If you were doing nothing, that is probably not a good goal so I think walking more and more each week seems reasonable.

CONGRATULATIONS to all the pregnant ladies in this thread.

Just for future reference MFP has in the database for foods breastfeeding calories accounted for so some new moms use that log to add extra calories to their daily allowance to allow for the breastfeeding they do.

GOOD LUCK!:flowerforyou:

Jo2926

The dietician put me on a high carbohydrate, low fat diet with 1200 calories a day. For the first couple days on that I felt really unwell, couldn't sleep through the night and started to get headaches. I decided that was not going to work for me so I have been back to tracking my food and making sure that I get lots of fresh fruit, vegetables and good protein. I've settled around 1600-1800 calories a day and my weight has been stable for the last couple weeks.

CONGRATULATIONS to you too!

What is it with dieticians and nutritionalists and 1200 calories?! I don't think I could get out of bed on so little food LOL. Your plan seems a good one though and similar to mine at the moment. I'm averaging about 1900 calories and still losing weight, so going to speak to the midwife this week about it.

Jo2926

Congratulations! I'm sorry your OB was not very helpful on the weight issue? I think I'd bring up weight at your next meeting and see if you can't get her to refer you to an OB with specific experience with overweight pregnancy?

I'm thinking that the nutritionist is keeping in mind risks with overweight pregnancies and has you on that eating plan in an effort to have you put on less than the usual weight a non overweight person puts on. Ask her. Directly. Call her tomorrow and without being accusatory simply ask..."I want to make a weight chart for my fridge and want to understand what we are achieving with my eating plan, am i meant to gain, maintain, or lose wieght during my pregnancy on this plan? At what rate".

Thanks for the advice! I'm dumping the nutritionalist as I am not convinced of her competence. When I had a really proper look through everything there was lots of things that pregnant women shouldn't eat on her plan - dippy eggs, sea bass, salmon too often etc.

This week I should get to see the midwife for the first time, rather than the GP so hopefully she will be much more helpful and will better understand pregnancy.