Just wondering if anyone is having trouble gaining weight?

Kari - posted on 01/18/2009

Hi Mandi -

I have had this same problem. I am now 21 weeks and for the first four months lost almost 15 pounds instead of gaining it. On my last visit I had finally put some on but I am still below where I should be according to thier chart. I laughed because I've never been a small girl - my statement was "wow this is the first time I've ever been below anything when it comes to my weight." My doctor isn't concerned however - the baby looks great and she herself had the same issue in the beginning. Good Luck.

Melissa - posted on 01/17/2009

I am a petite woman, and I lost over 20 pounds during my first trimester. My doctor also was giving me a hard time about gaining weight because I have only gained back a small amount. However, they gave me a hard time during my first pregnancy as well. That time I lost 18 pounds in the first trimester and then gained 26 back. My daughter was perfectly healthy. As all the other mothers have said, the baby takes what it needs first. I still eat healthy foods when I am hungry and take my prenatal vitamins, but I'm not going to eat empty calories just to make a doctor happy. My mom only gained 15 pounds with each of her pregnancies too, so maybe there is a heredity factor that the doctor isn't taking into account. I think that normal weight gain might just be a different normal for some people than others. Stress is worse for the baby than you not gaining 25 to 35 pounds.

Jessica - posted on 01/12/2009

I've lost 12 pounds with this pregnancy- but don't be too concerned, just make sure to take your prenatal vitamins, because as the one lady said, the baby will take what it needs and leave your body at a deficit...you need to make sure you're getting the extra boost you need.  When I was pregnant with my daughter they had an ensure shake, I think , that was specifically for pregnant women and it helped me a LOT.  Unfortunately it's no longer available, but I would think you could ask at a health food store, there may be a natural alternative available.  :) 

Stephanie - posted on 01/10/2009

Hopefully in the last month you have been able to relax some about your weight gain, but if not here is what I have been told by my midwife & a doctor...

Even if mom is not eating the way she should, the baby will suck the nutrients out of her leaving her at a deficet but getting everything it needs.

Not everyone gains weight in the first trimester.  Especially if you've had morning sickness.

I lost weight or maintained until I was 7 mos pregnant with my son, then in the last 2 months I gained about 20 lbs.  I didn't have pre-eclampsia and both my son & I were healthy at the time of deliver (he was 7lbs 3 oz, 19 1/2 ion)

Its more important that you eat a well balanced diet and some additional calories instead oi just calorie dense foods.  You don't want to be filling your self with empty calories just because the doctor is telling you too.  A few easy changes are switching to whole fat dairy products, full fat peanut butter, & full fat salad dressing.  In addition if you increase the amount of protein you are consuming then you may start to have a more defined wieght gain.

When you go for your level II ultrasound the doctors can tell you approximately how much the baby weighs and if the baby is on target for how far along you are.  I'm betting your little one is doing just fine.  Good luck!

 

Emily - posted on 01/09/2009

I'm 23 weeks today and have only gained 1 pound. I usually lose weight for the first 3-4 months too. My dr. isn't concerned at all. He said the baby will take what it needs and as long as the measurements and heartbeat are healthy - not to worry. With my first baby at birth I was at my pre-pregnancy weight and had a healthy 9 pounder. With my second I gained 15 pounds total and had a healthy 6 # 11 oz baby. If your dr's not concerned, you shouldn't be either.

Nicki - posted on 01/09/2009

i'm 5 months pregnant and i've only gained 4 lbs so far so i havent really gained much YET!! Docter didnt seem  worried.

Kym - posted on 01/08/2009

i'm a little delayed with answering this, but I have the same problem. This is my second preganancy, and with my first I only gained 14 lbs, and my son was born at 7lbs, 4 oz! You're baby will take what it needs and leave the rest for you (hence why they concider them a parasite to the mom!!) With this pregnancy, I've only gained 8 lbs, and that has been hard. I drink the protein shakes (although I hate them) and try to eat as much as possible throughout the day. Snacking on healthy things (like nuts and dried fruit) helps too. My dr never worries, as long as the measurements each appt continue to be on track. So don't worry, we're just freaks of nature!!

Darci - posted on 12/10/2008

This is my third pregnancy, and I seldom gain very much weight in the first 3 months. I actually had lost about a pound a half between my last 2 appointments as well. I know that some of my muscles mass has disappeared because I haven't been as active. I have also had "morning sickness"... usually lasts through the first 20 weeks. I haven't been throwing-up so much lately though :) I read a book called "Managing Morning Sickness"... and some of the women featured in that book lost lots of weight (not encouraged, of course) because they were so sick with morning sickness -- the babies were born healthy. The baby usually takes what it needs from your body by way of nutrients... you'll be the one lacking nutrients. I ended up gaining about 45 pounds with each of my first two pregnancies... it just all showed up in the last 5-6 months. Keep eating, and I'm sure the weight will show up.

Julie - posted on 12/09/2008

Hi Mandi, I don't have this problem, but I have heard that drinking some protein shakes throughout the day might help. If you are allergic to soy protein (most common protein in shakes), you might look for rice protein shakes. Also, if you are exercising, remember that you need more protein than your doctor would recommend normal pregnant women.