Scared to Get Pregnant...
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As long as you don't stuff your face and get the "eating for two" mentality you'll be fine. A lot of women that gain so much weight use pregnancy as an excuse to eat everything in front of them.0
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I've lost 90 pounds since having my son, NOT including what I gained while pregnant (and I only gained 26 while pregnant). I understand your fear. But getting pregnant isnt a sentence to become fat for the rest of your life. It's all in your control.0
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I actually lost weight during my pregnancy but that is because i walked everyday and was also working at the time. I was down to 204 and gained a pound when i stopped breastfeeding and then rejoined mfp in feb. I had my son in Jan. I did natural birth with Keith, my son, and he came 7lbs 12 ounces 20.5 inches!!!!!!
As long as you don't eat everything in sight you will be all right. Also make sure you keep active. Everyone got on my husband when i was still cleaning the house and everything while pregnant, but between walking and cleaning, i lost, as well as my job. I was 243 right before my pregnancy, and I am now down to 182!!!!! And still going. Ran my first 5k almost 6 months after giving birth. Do what is best for you and your family.0 -
I only gained about 20lbs when I was pregnant. I was still active during pregnancy and really watched what I ate. If I would have stuck with it, I would have lost the weight no problem, but stress, courts and a new job took a toll on me and I got lazy. Having a child is a wonderful thing! If you are only worried about the weight loss, have a child! It's so worth it! Keep up with MFP and staying healthy during pregnancy and after and you'll be fine!!0
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i was more scared about the stretch marks than anything. if you are an active person....you should be fine when it comes to losin weight bec losing weight is 90% mental. its all about the will power0
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I would love to experience the miraculous wonders of pregnancy and childbirth..however I have been running from the possibility everytime I think of how much weight I would gain. I've heard some people have gained 90 pounds! Seriously??!!?? I've also heard it's ridiculously hard to get off. The basic motto is either you've got "the snap back genes" or you don't.
Is this true?
You don't ahve to gain weight when you are pregnant, thats a choice, people decide to eat whatever they want because they "are eating for two". However around 200 calories is enough extra a day.
And obesity is actually one of the biggest causes of complications at child birth
I agree about the eating, but not the last sentence. It's the medical "professionals" response to obesity that often cause the complications at birth. I was obese but healthy with a healthy baby and the medical staff did everything they could to complicate my birth. I was quite traumatic actually. But I fended off the unnecessary c section, and finally got it through to the staff that I could not give birth lying on my back. Duh.0 -
I completely understand this. Before I had become pregnant with my son last year, I had lost a total of 50 pounds by watching what I ate. I went from 190 to 140. I was so excited when I found out I was pregnant until it hit me that I would gain weight. Instead of eating absolutely everything i could get my hands on, I made smart choices. last November (exactly 2 days before I gave birth) I had a doctors appointment and my weight was 167 and on the Sunday after I gave birth I was at 157. I breastfed for about 2 weeks and I was at my starting weight by Christmas.
I am not saying it is like this for everyone but you really do need to make smart choices. At the same time though, when you do become pregnant, enjoy that pregnancy. because let me tell you, when you feel that baby move for the first time or get hiccups or start to get that baby bump, nothing in the world will make you feel more amazing, no weight loss will ever amount to that moment you meet your little guy/gal.0 -
I think it all depends on what your habits are before, during and after your pregancy. I've seen plenty of women who exercise during pregancy and snap back quickly after giving birth and look like they've never been pregnant.
I myself had bad eating habits before and during my pregnancies. I gained 60 lbs with both kids. I lost it both times but I had wished that I had a healthier eating and exercise lifestyle before I got pregnant. I didnt learn about exercise and healthy eating until after I had my sons.0 -
I've had 3 girls all 20 months apart. I lost weight in between each pregnancy. I gained 60 lbs with each of them. 5'7'' started off at 134 lbs. got up to 194 lbs. My youngest is 2 months old and I am 15 lbs away from being 134 lbs. again. I say just eat healthy while you are pregnant and if you want a snack have at it. When you're not pregnant though workout hard and eat clean and breastfeed and you'll snap right back. I would say I don't have the "snap back" gene because I had to work REALLY hard to lose the weight I put on but the fun is in the journey and being able to tell people how big you were while you are wearing a size 4!0
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I am overweight to begin with but I only gained 22lbs and made sure I never over ate or ate BAD foods all the time. My first 3 months I was always nauseated and seem to only be able to eat perogues.
Don't be scared having a child is more amazing than being afraid of gaining weight. You can lose weight, might be hard but never having the opportunity to be a mother is not worth it. I just had my first, she is almost 6 months old and is the best decision I have ever made in my life. My husband and I had put it off for 3 years (yes I am still very young, the reason I didn't want to have kids yet) and then when we decided to start trying it took us a YEAR which was really hard to not give up!
From my experience, you will never be truly ready but having a baby is the best thing EVER. Don't be afraid, its worth every gained lb!!0 -
Don't worry about it! As long as you watch what you and continue exercising, you will be ok!
Of course if you lose control and give in to all of your cravings, you are going to gain weight... But this would happen even if you weren't pregnant.
I had just lost about 80 pounds before I got pregnant with my son, and was terrified I was going to put it all back on. I followed a very healthy eating plan the entire time, and even had chocolate cake a few times (that was the thing I craved the most. lol).
And guess what? A few weeks after giving birth to my son, I weighed less than my prepgrgnancy weight.
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If I'm reading this right, you are weighing the following options:I would love to experience the miraculous wonders of pregnancy and childbirth..however I have been running from the possibility everytime I think of how much weight I would gain. I've heard some people have gained 90 pounds! Seriously??!!?? I've also heard it's ridiculously hard to get off. The basic motto is either you've got "the snap back genes" or you don't. Is this true?
Becoming a parent (one of the most important & rewarding jobs in the history of mankind if you ask me) & possibly having a slightly different body after losing the baby weight
OR
Never becoming pregnant but at least you'll look damn good
Please tell me this isn't a real dilemma.0 -
I've seen some women bounce back at times even "better" than before, their "secret" is eating the right foods, supplementing (calcium, fish oil, prenatal etc) and believe it or not having a healthy and consistent workout regimen.
My sister is one of the lucky ones who looks even better after pregnancy. Before pregnancy she was at the right BMI, mostly eating healthy with the occasional junk and occasional exercise. Although she wasn't overweight, she would not have considered herself thin either. During pregnancy my sister followed a healthy eating plan which was recommended by the doctor. She never ate for two although in the later stages she did indulge in junk but made sure she didnt go overboard. She lost most of her weight within a month
Unfortunately I been overweight most of my life so I just know that I won't have the same luck
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You seriously cannot look at it that way.... You will gain however much weight you want to gain. If you want to eat for 2, then expect to gain 60 pounds. Stay healthy and active through your pregnancy. I gained 27 pounds and lost it all within 3 months (then gained 20 pounds back from stress). I was very healthy and active the entire time but I satisfied my cravings (not in portions for 2 though).
You have to look at the rewards though... I believe the rewards of pregnancy far outweighs the way you will look afterwards.0 -
pregnancy in general terrifies me into a cold sweat panic. and even if you do get the snap back genes- please tell me when you are expected to exercise? thanks.0
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pregnancy in general terrifies me into a cold sweat panic. and even if you do get the snap back genes- please tell me when you are expected to exercise? thanks.
You mean when do you exercise after you have babies? I've done 5am before everyone wakes up, or before work when they are at daycare, then skip lunch at work (if work allows).
And yeah, I don't buy the "snap back" genes idea. Either you put the work into it to get back into shape or you don't.0 -
I used to put baby in the stroller and walk everywhere. The heavy stuff that it's tough to carry from the grocery store went in it. Most gyms have daycare. My cousin used to use her kids as weights to lift. Friends and family (and fathers if they're around) will usuually give you a break.pregnancy in general terrifies me into a cold sweat panic. and even if you do get the snap back genes- please tell me when you are expected to exercise? thanks.
I had a job, was in school full time and a single mom and I had plenty of exercise time.0 -
pregnancy in general terrifies me into a cold sweat panic. and even if you do get the snap back genes- please tell me when you are expected to exercise? thanks.
You mean when do you exercise after you have babies? I've done 5am before everyone wakes up, or before work when they are at daycare, then skip lunch at work (if work allows).
And yeah, I don't buy the "snap back" genes idea. Either you put the work into it to get back into shape or you don't.
i mean... when you get home from the hospital and the baby doesnt sleep for like 3 weeks and then it only sleeps an hour a day for the next three weeks and you dont have time to shower or eat and your mother in law is there and everything is wet and crying- when do you exercise?0 -
actually nevermind0
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I'm currently 12 weeks along with my first. For me, yes I want to be healthy for my baby, but it's not about ME anymore. All I think about is that little miracle in my belly and there isn't much else that matters. It's already worth every moment of feeling like crap, not having an appetite, not being able to sleep, and every moment of exhaustion. We just saw our little peanut for the first time this week moving and shaking all over in my belly. It's the best feeling EVER.
I think everyone is different, but if you truly want to be a mother, you need to think about that little baby and not the weight gain. Being a mom is all about being selfless and doing what you can for that baby. Should you eat healthy while pregnant for the baby and yourself? Absolutely. But I wouldn't be so focused on the weight as long as you're taking care of yourself.0 -
pregnancy in general terrifies me into a cold sweat panic. and even if you do get the snap back genes- please tell me when you are expected to exercise? thanks.
You mean when do you exercise after you have babies? I've done 5am before everyone wakes up, or before work when they are at daycare, then skip lunch at work (if work allows).
And yeah, I don't buy the "snap back" genes idea. Either you put the work into it to get back into shape or you don't.
i mean... when you get home from the hospital and the baby doesnt sleep for like 3 weeks and then it only sleeps an hour a day for the next three weeks and you dont have time to shower or eat and your mother in law is there and everything is wet and crying- when do you exercise?
Oh yea, I mean after the first couple of months. You aren't supposed to do any exercise for 6-8 weeks anyway. And depending on the baby, they might not sleep for 8 months, not 3 weeks.
Seriously though. Kids are awesome. Newborns kind of suck. But kids are awesome and worth all the weight gain, and the lack of sleep. My two year old was walking around the grocery store this morning just cracking up at himself because he had the hic-ups.0 -
If you are ready to have a child and the situation is right, I say do it. If you are determined enough I think you can get back to where you want to be.0
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If I'm reading this right, you are weighing the following options:I would love to experience the miraculous wonders of pregnancy and childbirth..however I have been running from the possibility everytime I think of how much weight I would gain. I've heard some people have gained 90 pounds! Seriously??!!?? I've also heard it's ridiculously hard to get off. The basic motto is either you've got "the snap back genes" or you don't. Is this true?
Becoming a parent (one of the most important & rewarding jobs in the history of mankind if you ask me) & possibly having a slightly different body after losing the baby weight
OR
Never becoming pregnant but at least you'll look damn good
Please tell me this isn't a real dilemma.
this was my question as wellpregnancy in general terrifies me into a cold sweat panic. and even if you do get the snap back genes- please tell me when you are expected to exercise? thanks.
You mean when do you exercise after you have babies? I've done 5am before everyone wakes up, or before work when they are at daycare, then skip lunch at work (if work allows).
And yeah, I don't buy the "snap back" genes idea. Either you put the work into it to get back into shape or you don't.
i mean... when you get home from the hospital and the baby doesnt sleep for like 3 weeks and then it only sleeps an hour a day for the next three weeks and you dont have time to shower or eat and your mother in law is there and everything is wet and crying- when do you exercise?
Sometimes you don't. It depends on the person and the baby. With my last two, my day centered around the baby and if baby slept so did I. I was very, very sleep deprived. Exercise was out of the question. I didn't get "back in the game" until a year later. Still wouldn't give it up though!
Snap back genes don't exist ... diet and exercise do.0 -
If I'm reading this right, you are weighing the following options:I would love to experience the miraculous wonders of pregnancy and childbirth..however I have been running from the possibility everytime I think of how much weight I would gain. I've heard some people have gained 90 pounds! Seriously??!!?? I've also heard it's ridiculously hard to get off. The basic motto is either you've got "the snap back genes" or you don't. Is this true?
Becoming a parent (one of the most important & rewarding jobs in the history of mankind if you ask me) & possibly having a slightly different body after losing the baby weight
OR
Never becoming pregnant but at least you'll look damn good
Please tell me this isn't a real dilemma.
Yes- once you have a baby, these sorts of "dilemmas" will seem low in priority. Having a child changes you, for the better.
Breastfeed because it is the right thing to do for your child, (and you will benefit physically as well), listen to your body, and though you wont get time right off to hit the gym, I promise you, you wont care. That little bundle of awesome will be 110% what you are concentrating on, and you will get time later on to whip yourself back into shape.
I lost all of the 50lbs I gained with my first quickly and without really trying, and my second- well I gained 70lbs and am losing it now, 4 years later.
But I will say-
if having each of my children meant that I would have *actually lost a limb each time*, I would have them both again in a heart beat.
Don't sweat it, your priorities will (should) change.
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pregnancy in general terrifies me into a cold sweat panic. and even if you do get the snap back genes- please tell me when you are expected to exercise? thanks.
You mean when do you exercise after you have babies? I've done 5am before everyone wakes up, or before work when they are at daycare, then skip lunch at work (if work allows).
And yeah, I don't buy the "snap back" genes idea. Either you put the work into it to get back into shape or you don't.
i mean... when you get home from the hospital and the baby doesnt sleep for like 3 weeks and then it only sleeps an hour a day for the next three weeks and you dont have time to shower or eat and your mother in law is there and everything is wet and crying- when do you exercise?
Some children and some families are more difficult than others, but that was not my experience at all.
And as someone said, you're supposed to take it a bit easy for a few weeks, anyway. You can still walk if you're up to it.0 -
Gaining a lot of weight is not unavoidable. I gained 27 with my first, 32 with my second, and lost the extra weight within a year.
What I've done to myself in middle age is much-much worse.0 -
P.S. Moms spend a lot of time walking up and down the hallways or the yard trying to soothe the crying baby. That's exercise, right?0
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You're hearing all the horror stories. I gained 25 lbs when I was pregnant and within 2 weeks after delivery had lost 35 lbs.
It took a little longer for the swelling to go down but I was back into my regular clothes within a month.0 -
Please don't let the fear of weight gain keep you from having a child.
That being said, you can't just listen to the horror stories. Yes, if you give in to every bad pregnancy craving and don't keep up an active lifestyle, you will likely gain a lot of weight and have a difficult time taking it off. However, if you do it moderately (a candy bar here and there when you really really crave them is not the worst thing in the world), and stay active when you can, you will be fine. I was overweight to begin with and actually lost 10 lbs in the beginning before gaining 20. In the end, I was only 10lbs heavier than I was pre-baby, and the baby weight (plus extra) fell off within a week of having my daughter (and I don't have "snap back" genes, trust me). I just ate healthy and walked when I could. Nothing extreme, the pre-natal yoga dvd I bought is still unopened (and my daughter will be 3 in the new year), simply walking. And I probably still ate more cheeseburgers than I should have....0 -
30 lbs is a very realistic weight gain during pregnancy. And keep active during, then after it won't be so hard to 'get back' into fitness again. I gained all of 20 lbs with my first baby, and it was gone by the time he was a month old. But I walked every day when I was pregnant and nursed for 3 months. My second baby, I gained closer to 40 and it took me a year to get back down. I wasn't nearly as active during my pregnancy, and she didn't nurse.0
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