Losing weight while pregnant?

Becky - posted on 12/05/2010

Breastfeeding hasn't helped me lose weight either, after the initial weight drop. I find I'm hungry ALL the time when I'm bfing. And I don't eat very healthy.
I only gained 15 lbs with my second. In my last month, I was actually losing some weight. My dr. was not happy! Zach was healthy and weighed over 2 lbs more than Cole did though - and I'd gained about 40 lbs. with Cole. Which baffled me, because I was really sick the entire 9 months with Cole and was much less sick and ate a lot more with Zach. So, when Zach was born, I dropped those 15 lbs and then some really quickly. I still have a ways to go before I hit my pre-Cole weight though. We are trying for #3 too. My period still hasn't come back after Zach, even though he'll be 15 months this week, and I'm wondering if it has to do with my weight. (or if I'm already preggo...)

Anika - posted on 12/05/2010

Breastfeeding didn't help me lose weight in fact I gained more weight after giving birth than I did pregnant! All that sitting around on my arse whilst baby ate.LOL

Caitlin - posted on 12/05/2010

Ugh.. i'm grinding my teeth, i've had such a battle losing weight, with my first I gained like 45 pounds and lost maybe 20 of that before I was pregnant again, then I gained about 40 that time and have only lost 10... I have no idea, I have about 40 pounds to drop, and nursing is supposed to help lose weight, but not for me apparently, and I eat healthy, I don't eat a lot of crap, mostly whole grains, fruit vegetables, protein, drive thru maybe once every 2 weeks? Decent portion sizes too, nothing huge.. Guess ATM my body just hates me.. I figure i'll suck it up for #3 and then find the time to join a fitness class like a boot camp style something to help me lose a few...

Rosie - posted on 12/05/2010

wish i could've lost 30 lbs in ten days, well i guess i did loose alot early with my first as well. but i had gained ALOT with all of my babies. 60-70 lbs with each.

Julianne - posted on 12/05/2010

working out is great for pregnant women. as long as its a pregnant workout. Fit mama was a routine i did while pregnant. It works out the muscles you need to push and others to help you carry the baby better. Its certified as safe for pregnancy.

Julianne - posted on 12/05/2010

Eat an enormous amount of fruit and veggies. A lot of women get caught up in the "eating for two" thing. Any time i felt hungry i would eat a bag of carrots or some bananas.(between meals that is) That way i was getting extra nutrients for the baby, but not an overload of extra calories. don't actually TRY to lose weight though.. it could be dangerous to your baby. Just try to eat healthier.

Teresa - posted on 12/05/2010

Kati, when I first had the girls I lost 10 pounds. Didn't make any sense to me since their combined weight was 9lbs 15oz.... what about the amniotic fluid and placenta weight? Of course, then I started losing weight fast and lost 30 pounds in about 10 days. It just took a couple of days to get 'jumpstarted'.

Toni - posted on 12/05/2010

I lose weight at the start of my pregnancies, I was over a stone less than my last visit to weight watchers (6 months ago) when my midwife weighed me on Tuesday (I think it was this week - I'm losing my mind the baby is stealing my braincells already), I have been really suffering with morning sickness this time round though.

Taken from the NHS website

~ Don't eat for two. You don’t need extra calories until the final three months, when you need around 200 extra calories a day (equivalent to two slices of toast with margarine or butter). Be guided by your appetite. When you feel hungry between meals, choose a healthy snack such as fruit, yoghurt or a bowl of cereal.

~ Don't try to lose weight during pregnancy. This can affect your baby's weight, and may stop you from getting all the nutrients that you both need. Don't skip meals, even if you feel sick. Eating little and often can keep your energy level up and can help to fight off morning sickness.

http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/pregnancy/Pag...

If a woman is majorly overweight the midwives may work with them on a healthy eating regime, although they are not actively encouraged to diet. I have a friend who is morbidly obese who lost weight during her last pregnancy because she ate healthier foods than she did pre-pregnancy.

Laura - posted on 12/05/2010

I wouldn't know I've gained 30 to 40 lbs each pregnancy but people tell me I'm lying because I don't look like I have. I have a friend who lost 30 lbs during her pregnancy because she was a little overweight and had gestational diabetes (which I now have) I don't so much count calories as I do carbs.

By the way I heard on Dr. Oz that you increase your calories 100 calories for every trimester so if you normally consume 2000 cal then 1st trimester: 2100, 2nd: 2200 and 3rd: 2300.

Rosie - posted on 12/05/2010

i'm getting a little PO at all you ladies losing weight. i had a 9lb. 5 oz. child and only lost 8 lbs. right after i had him. tell me how that happens!! i'm joining the corner snickerers!!!

Rosie - posted on 12/05/2010

if you are overweight, yes. i know a few people who are bigger and they ended up losing i think 5 lbs, or so while pregnant.
they weren't trying to, they just didn't gain, and their bodies took from reserves, i guess, lol!

Minnie - posted on 12/05/2010

I just eat when I'm hungry and don't worry about my weight. I can't keep weight on while bf...wondering how things are going to work out with a nursling and one cooking, lol! And then two nurslings. I'll be stuffing my face all the time :P

April - posted on 12/05/2010

oi and i am one of those that probably would not get a blessing from my doctor to try to lose weight during a pregnancy. i sorta go too far on diets when i've got it in my mind that i need to diet! nursing has really helped me to avoid trying to diet on purpose. extreme dieting was ok when all i was hurting was me, but now that i have my son..it would hurt him too!

April - posted on 12/05/2010

i'm gonna join the TTC club...lol...only we're waiting until March or April to TTC...i'm a bridesmaid in a june wedding and i gotta fit in that dress...it was damn expensive!!

Teresa - posted on 12/05/2010

I'm going to join the corner snickerers....

Ashley=) - posted on 12/05/2010

I ate healthy and gained weight and lost it quick on my first preg, second preg(due to complications) i lost weight and didn't gain a lot.Just eat healthy and don't skip meals.Cut down on fatty and sugary foods and you will be okay.Drink lots of water.

Amie - posted on 12/03/2010

I'm going to go sit with Jodi and Sharon in the corner. We can share cocktails and snicker to our hearts content. =)

I did lose weight with my last during pregnancy. I didn't do anything special. I ate healthy, ran like crazy (kind of hard not to with 3 other kids in the house) and got lots of sleep.
I did put on 10 lbs. in the last trimester though. I'm back to that pre-prego weight but I need another 20 lbs. to go to be back to pre-pre-pre-pre prego weight. LOL

Chatty - posted on 12/03/2010

YAY! Thanks, ladies!

Emma, you're hilarious. So blunt...I love it!

Caitlin, you're a brave woman! Good luck!

ME - posted on 12/03/2010

I actually lost weight while pregnant with Mayah. I still had 10 pounds to go from Miles. I walked 3 miles a day over the summer...and by fall, I was back to my prepregnancy weight. I then gained weight in the last three or four months...but not nearly as much as I did with Miles...in fact about a third as much.

Caitlin - posted on 12/03/2010

Erin - Yes.. we may have 3 under 3.. Apparently i'm crazy, but so far the terrible twos aren't so bad, I was expecting worse (I know I know... it will get worse just as morning sickness kicks in.. murpheys law..)

Petra - posted on 12/03/2010

I know you've gotten a ton of responses, Dana, but I was told by my doctor to eat an extra 300-400 calories per day, nothing more, and to eat a balanced, healthy diet. I did. My doctor advised that actively dieting is NOT recommended during pregnancy. If by living cleanly and exercising, you continue to nourish your baby and drop excess weight, that is different than drastically limiting your caloric intake and doing hardcore workouts in order to lose weight. Definitely talk to your doctor/obstetrician about it if you're still actively dieting when you get preggo.

Congrats to you three, and good luck! Yay babies :-)

Stifler's - posted on 12/03/2010

You need like 300 extra calories, in the last trimester.

Stifler's - posted on 12/03/2010

If you're really fat yes. my metabolism goes so much faster when I'm pregnant. If I didn't eat so much shit food I'd probably lose weight. I only gained 7kg of my own weight last time and lost 13kg of fluids and baby at the birth.

Jodi - posted on 12/03/2010

No baby making going on here - I'm done thanks!! I'll sit in the corner and snicker with Sharon :)



On the weight thing, with both my kids I lost weight in the first trimester. Not sure why. My eating habits didn't really change and I didn't get morning sickness. In fact, with my daughter I never started putting on any weight until about 5 months (my shape changed, but not my weight). I'm not sure what the extra calories needed are, but your doctor will be able to advise you.

Anika - posted on 12/03/2010

i heard somwhere (but bare in mind that I hear a lot of crap LOL), that you only need the equivalent of a banana's worth of extra calories during pregnancy...but that could have been just the first trimester...or complete crap. OK. I'm no real help.

I wouldn't deny yourself food but you can continue with light exercise. And don't eat crap. Sorry, just stating the obvious really.

And that's great news Dana, Nikki and Caitlin. :)
I'm waiting until after the Summer drinking season LOL

Erin - posted on 12/03/2010

haha no shit Nikki

Nikki - posted on 12/03/2010

Duck and run! this place is emotional enough without extra pregnancy hormones in the mix!

Erin - posted on 12/02/2010

There's going to be a baby explosion in DM by the sounds of things!

Sharon - posted on 12/02/2010

lol bonnie - its just you! I'm sitting here 8 years postpartum and snickering at all of you waiting for you to join my hell.

kidding!!! but i'm still snickering, lol.

Bonnie - posted on 12/02/2010

Everyone is either pregnant or trying to get pregnant. I want another baby! *sits in a corner crying*

Good luck Dana!

Sherri - posted on 12/02/2010

It is possible not to gain any weight with your pregnancy especially if you are overweight hence having really lost a considerable amount by the time baby is born. I only gained 12lbs with my 3rd child after he was born I was down an additional 14lbs from my first OB appt. to my 6wk follow up appt. after baby was born.

Chatty - posted on 12/02/2010

Thanks Nikki!

Nikki - posted on 12/02/2010

I think each individual has different nutritional needs. We are trying at the moment (to get pregnant) and I am trying to loose weight too. I think it's just a matter of eating healthy unprocessed foods only when you are hungry and stopping when you are full. Combine that with some light exercise like walking and drink lots of water.

I have just started doing the new weight watchers, and they don't work off calories like they used to, it's all very confusing and too technical to remember and explain but they have worked out that it takes more than counting calories to keep the weight off, now they work off carbs, proteins, fats and fibre. I actually feel like I am eating more than I did when I was on the old program years ago. I think they have a program you can continue if you are pregnant, I will ask tomorrow Dana, if so ill send you the book. it's easy and my jeans are already feeling looser this week!

Jodi - posted on 12/02/2010

Personally, I defiantely would NOT suggest actually trying to lose weight...but if you feel you must certainly swing it by your doc or midwife and get their input on how to do so safely.

I lost 20ish lbs with my first and only gained back like 10 or 15, that was without trying...actually, I was consuming still extra calories yet to TRY to gain weight. I'm 28 weeks pregnant right now, I lost 30ish lbs and ahve only gained back almost 4 of those. I'm on a special diet to get extra calories but it's just not adding on. My babies are healthy and I'm healthy, I've been tested for thyroid stuff for Gerd something or another and diabetis, all came back normal. My body just metabolizes at an insane rate...I wish I could gain weight, it would make me feel better and more comfortable with the health of my babies.

Sara - posted on 12/02/2010

I had GD when I was pregnant with Rowan, so I was on a special diet. I didn't lose weight, really, but I didn't gain any as she was getting larger in the last trimester, so I guess in a way I did lose weight...

Chatty - posted on 12/02/2010

And thanks ladies, for all the encouraging comments. Gotta run....time to get busy! ;)

Chatty - posted on 12/02/2010

My SIL puked pretty much throughout her entire first pregnancy. It was horrible!

Kate CP - posted on 12/02/2010

Yes...yes it does. I hate having HG. Thank God for Zofran. :)

Katherine - posted on 12/02/2010

Congrats Dana. I think you're right. An extra 400-500 hundred calories. My doctor actually said not to eat more than usual, but then another doc in the practice said I DID need more calories. Whatever...

Bonnie - posted on 12/02/2010

See puking is beyond your control.

Erin - posted on 12/02/2010

HG will do that to ya Kate :(

Kate CP - posted on 12/02/2010

I lost weight with my first pregnancy but I was puking several times a day...not something I recommend. :/

Bonnie - posted on 12/02/2010

My opinion is if it happens naturally and the baby is still healthy than fine, but not wise to try to lose weight while pregnant. The baby needs every single calorie and nutrient.

C. - posted on 12/02/2010

I read in some prenatal magazine when I was pregnant that if you talk to your doctor they can tell you how to do it safely. Good luck!

Erin - posted on 12/02/2010

Caitlin, does that mean you could have 3 under 3?

Caitlin - posted on 12/02/2010

I'll do some light activity while pregnant, try to keep moving and eat better, and that should help a lot.. Right now working nights is killing my weight loss aspirations, but i'll be off work once a pregnancy is confirmed because my job is hazardous...

Caitlin - posted on 12/02/2010

Awesome news.. we've started trying for #3 (it's all hush hush, I just tell everyone online..)

I wish I could lose a few while pregnant next time.. I'm afraid i'll end up bigger again! I need to drop 35 pounds to get back to my pre-pregnancies weight already, and i'm probably going to add more!

Charlie - posted on 12/02/2010

Yay Dana !!

I think if your overweight it is safe to lose only a kilo or two however I would just try and keep the weight gain to the minimum instead of trying to actually lose weight .

Erin - posted on 12/02/2010

The only people I know who have lost weight during pregnancy have either been extremely overweight to begin with, or very very sick with HG. Eating sensibly is one thing, but I would never embark on an actual weight loss regime (restricting calories and significant work outs) while pregnant. And it's definitely something that should be done in consultation with your doctor or midwife.

Chatty - posted on 12/02/2010

Nah, just waiting to see my doctor because we've decided to start trying for baby number 2. A couple months ago I FINALLY got my ass and gear and started working out and eating right to attempt to lose the weight I put on during and after my pregnancy with Roxanne. I'm HOPING that I can continue losing (slowly and safely of course) when and if and while I'm pregnant.

Plus, I thought it'd be a good debate. Curious to hear both sides.