Hey all. I could use some words of advice!! :)

Tam,

I had my 9th baby last November, and with my last 4 babies I was terrified to gain too much weight because I was too heavy beginning the pregnancies. So, I just ate normal, not "for two." And with my 2 year old's pregnancy, I had been running faithfully beforehand, so I continued it until my 37th week-- I was quite a sight, but I bought a tummy support system and jogged right up till the end. Bottom line, I ended with a 15 pound gain with each pregnancy, which, when all the baby weight and water, and gluk and gloop came out, resulted in a 10 pound net loss at my 6 week check up. (now, I gained it back due to bad stress eating afterwards, each flippin' time-- but I digress )

You're so dedicated, you won't lose control. Just reject the "eating for two" mentality, and continue the healthy eating and activity you've mastered thus far and you'll be fine.

I agree. It's been a while since I was pregant (my youngest just turned 9), but I noticed that when I exercised while pregnant--doing whatever I could do safely--the whole pregnancy and afterward went better. I know there are guidelines as to how many extra calories you should consume while pregnant (I'm thinking 500 a day). Just figure those into your eating/exercise plan and make sure you eat all your required calories and don't go over too often.

I can understand that after losing so much weight, you'd be scared about regaining, but you're probably in much better mental and physical shape to handle the changes.

Good luck!

ok now I really am not an expert here(yet) cause I dont have kids but I do read all articles in fitness magazines that I can. I do know an average of 40lbs gained is to be expected. In order to maintain a healthy pregnancy a good god friend of mine told her it IS OK to exercise and just dont do anything crazy( like run a marathon hahahaha). But eat your healthy fats your omega 3's sweetie, NOW but when you are preggers read up on your fish there are a LOT or mercury warnings I grabbed a pamphlet at the whole foods about it. Thats my read up but not personal expertise...and congrats on 3 more!!!!

I do know an average of 40lbs gained is to be expected.

Not an expert here either, just started reading various things myself, cos I sure want to try soon, too. What I read is that is all depends on your BMI, and it's possible to gain just little (I think even as little as only 25lbs, but don't take my word for it).

In fact, I wasn't going to answer Tami, but rather take the same question further (just cos of my own worries). How's one supposed to healthy eat when pregnant? I seem to be unable to eat right unless I control my calories strictly. Is it a bad practice to keep a food journal while pregnant? I am so worried about this :embarassed: and it hasn't even started yet! :blushing: .

I burn like 1000-1100 cals with a combo of ellipticals, treadmill and weights.






How long do you work out for? I would love to up my work outs to that level. For example I ran at 6.0mph for 50min and I only burned 538 calories. I bought a HRM watch and took a 2hour walk up and down hills with my kids and it said I only burned 307 calories.

Ok so it has been 21 years since I gave birth, but I remember...oh how I remember.

I gained 54 pounds with my 1st child.

I learned the most with my daughter. I had gestantional(sic) diabetes and was put on a strict diet. I was concerned as I was always told you had to 'eat for two". My dr advised me you really do not need to change much when you get pregnant and it isnt supposed to be a free for all on the food binges.

I had to count every calorie, watch all my sugar and weigh in weekly. I gained 18 pounds. I walked out of the hospital at 115 pounds with a healthy baby and healthy body.

I do not see anything wrong with a food diary when you are pregnant. It is good to see what you have eaten throughout the day.

Tam I think you will do fine. You have a great attitude, lost of support and most of all you know how to be healthy. Prayer to fertility G>d for ya kiddo!

I HOPE THIS INFO HELPS...BEST OF LUCK TO YOU TAMI!!!!

How much weight should I gain during my pregnancy?

It depends on your height and weight, or body mass index (BMI), before you conceived. You can calculate your BMI here.

If pre-pregnancy weight was in the healthy range for your height according to your healthcare provider (a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9), you should gain between 25 and 35 pounds, gaining 2 to 5 pounds in the first trimester and about 1 pound per week for the rest of your pregnancy for the optimal growth of your baby.

If you were underweight for your height at conception (a BMI below 18.5), you should gain 28 to 40 pounds. If you were overweight for your height (a BMI of 25 to 29.9), you should gain 15 to 25 pounds. If you were obese (a BMI of 30 or higher), you should gain no more than 15 pounds. If you're having twins you should gain about 35 to 45 pounds. If you fall into any of these four categories, talk to your healthcare provider about how much you should gain each month.
If you've struggled with controlling your weight in the past, or even if you've never dieted in your life, you may have a hard time accepting that it's okay to gain weight now. It's normal to feel anxious and even depressed as the numbers on the scale edge up. Try to keep in mind, however, that the extra weight is important for a healthy pregnancy and that those extra pounds will eventually come off after you've had the baby. And it's important to pay more attention to how well you're eating than to how much you gain.

"Tracking your weight gain weekly may help you feel more in control and give you a chance to make some adjustments in your eating before the total weight gain gets out of control," suggests Julie Redfern, R.D., L.D.N., senior nutritionist in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at Brigham & Women's Hospital in Boston. Cutting out junk food and exercising regularly (after first checking with your healthcare provider about what you can do safely) can make a positive difference in how you feel during pregnancy. Pregnant women should increase their daily intake by 300 calories per day.


also...
If you've struggled with controlling your weight in the past, or even if you've never dieted in your life, you may have a hard time accepting that it's okay to gain weight now. It's normal to feel anxious and even depressed as the numbers on the scale edge up. Try to keep in mind, however, that the extra weight is important for a healthy pregnancy and that those extra pounds will eventually come off after you've had the baby. And it's important to pay more attention to how well you're eating than to how much you gain.

I was kind of wondering the same stuff with my own weight goals and how this will work