Here I am in my third trimester and I am feeling more and more like I'm approaching the home stretch! In general, my eating has been great and I'm making healthy choices. My blood work spoke for itself and did me proud in that respect. No sign of gestational diabetes (big relief), and my iron and other levels were all great with no need of iron supplements which I was really happy about. My doctor (god bless her soul) complimented me on the results saying, "You must be a healthy eater because your iron and everything looks great!" I wanted to hug her because to me that's like saying "Wow you look great!" because I take that part to heart more than anything else. All I could think about in my head was "I know you said you'd never slap my wrist about weight gain, but I bet you're not happy with it" so her positive comment truly meant a lot.
And the big elephant in the room is the curiosity about my pregnancy weight gain thus far that I bet many of you are wondering. My pregnancy start weight put me into an "overweight" category which gives you the "15-25 lbs" recommendation which intimidated me from the very beginning. The truth is, I've far exceeded that already and have gained 40 lbs at 7 months.
I mean, as much as no person is usually pleased with their weight gain during pregnancy, that truly is a little on the high side no matter how you look at it. That's a fact. For some reason I was a little afraid to admit to that to you guys for a while. Maybe it was because of all of the weight I've lost somewhat in the public eye (at least to those of you who are reading this) and in a sense I think I was worried that it would "disappoint" people in some way. But now I've come to the conclusion that such is life. I'm certainly not the first woman to gain "more" than you are supposed to during a pregnancy and I won't be the last (feel free to chime in and tell me about all the weight you gained and lost in the comments section :-D).
I pride myself and my blog at attempting to convey the "real" side to healthy living and weight loss from my perspective and I will continue to do so. I'm not "happy" about the number on the scale, no, but I certainly am not letting it overshadow all of the beautiful and wonderful things and new emotions and feelings that I am experiencing. Weight loss and healthy living have been such a HUGE part of my life for so long, it was a surprise to me that "something else" would come along that would, dare I say, bump the weight part down a notch on the priority list and be replaced with so much happiness and excitement that I feel truly blessed in all the cheesy cliche ways. I don't mean that keeping my weight under control during pregnancy wasn't/ isn't a priority, I am just saying that I am not focusing on it as much as I am my transition into motherhood.
I am trying not to beat myself up too much about the weight gain even though I still have 11ish weeks to go. Wherever the chips fall when the baby is born, I will deal with it. I have the knowledge and ability to lose it and you can be guaranteed that I will! So I'm leaving it at that. I am going to do my best to keep it under control for the next 11 weeks and move to the next stage of this very exciting time in my life. I'm sure there will be LOTS of interesting blogs to come!
My performance in the exercise department is definitely not where I wanted it to be either. It gets harder and harder to do the further along in the pregnancy I get. It's not easy carrying an extra 40 lbs and walking is really the only thing I'm doing and I have a hard time to get my buns moving to do that regularly. I'm ready to try out my 3rd Trimester Yoga DVD now that I'm into a a new trimester and I'm making a promise to myself that I'm going to have to just do it and deal with the fatigue and aches and pains and hopefully it will help. It's not easy folks, I'm tellin yas and anyone who has been here knows what I'm talking about.
So there you have it bloggies, the skinny on my pregnancy weight gain! I'd love to hear any of your thoughts and experiences if you care to share.
As always, I value your readership and support. xoxo
On a fun note, I'm getting my buns in gear to get a giveaway post together that I've already mentioned, so stay tuned and I hope someone is ready to win a box of the best snack bars ever that are totally healthy and satisfying....move over Larabars, justsayin'!
29 comments:
Weight gain is a number. You have to remember it isn't "fat" you're gaining it is composed of blood, fluids, tissues and your baby! You're going to lose a good 20-30 of that just by having your baby! I was in the same category for "recommended weight gain during pregnancy" and I ended up gaining 46 in the end. The key is that any that is remaining after the birth will be arbitrary and you have the skills, knowledge and determination to get back to your pre-pregnancy weight. Breast feeding will also help you lose the weight as well. You're doing awesome and the main thing is you are healthy and so is your babe <3
I gained at LEAST 40 with each of my four children, including 60 with my second! You have already set yourself up for success with good exercise and eating habits. You're growing a whole other PERSON! Don't feel embarassed about pregnancy weight gain, ESPECIALLY when your doctor is happy with your progress!!
I was not overweight to begin my lat pregnancy, but I gained 50 pounds. During the pregnancy, I laid out many of the same excuses as you, as in, "It happens!" "But I've been eating healthy!" Well, while I WAS eating healthy, portion control was an issue and I should have exercised more. I looked GREAT prenant too, no one would have said that I'd gained too much based on what I looked like.
The problem is that you will only lose about 20 pounds max of that weight at delivery. I was so happy with my baby of course, but I felt so bloated and huge after I had my baby. I wasn't upset with how I looked, but with how I felt. Lethargic (worse because of sleep deprivation) and huge.
I did breastfeed, and that helped - but it is not the miracle slimmer that it's said to be. 7 months later here I am, 15 pounds over my weight before pregnancy and the number just isn't budging from that. I have a pretty fast metabolism, and I've never been overweight.
LEt me tell you, it's 100x harder dieting when you have kids around (the stress and then there just isn't time to devote to shopping and meal prep as when one is single). Soooo....my point is I recommend kicking up the exercise and watching portions so you don't wind up in my boat.
I lost 110 pounds to be able to get pregnant, and got pregnant at 200 lbs on the nose. I gained 74 pounds in pregnancy ( high risk, 5 months of complete bedrest) and lot 30 on the delivery table. I was not able to breastfeed due to a hormone imbalance ( I never got preggo boobs either). I did not care...I had the child that I had waited 10 long years to conceive and bring into the world !
do not worry about it. with my daughter i was in the same boat as you and gained almost 65ish pounds. i lost it all by the time she was 9 months - 9 months on, 9 months off they say. it did take work, but it is work you are familiar with. i am back in the same old boat now - up 50lbs with 2 weeks left. i said i wouldn't do it again, but being sick for 6 weeks (just like i was with my daughter) and the only thing that made me feel better was to constantly eat - it is hard. Then I want to go to the gym - but am way too tired with work, a 2 year old, a husband and 3 dogs. Yes excuses, but sleep is better for the baby too. So just keep your head up and don't worry about it. It will be fine. Your blood work is fine, the baby is healthy, and you are healthy - and once you have the little one in your hands - the weight will be the farthest thing from your mind - you have someone who depends on you for survival and love - and with that love you will find a new love for yourself and your body and will there in turn find time to make yourself happy with it again. Smile :) you are having a BABY!!! :)
Ang, I think my mom gained about 65lbs with me. I was a big baby, at almost 9 lbs...that was HUGE in the 80's. I think you're doing a great job, and keeping yourself healthy for peanut. I know that you're not pleased with the number, and yes, exercise and portion control are important, but I think that your mental state is also SO important for the baby. Remember, a big lump of that weight will come off as soon as the baby is born, and then as you're breast feeding....and if you have a rough time getting right back at your pre-pregnancy weight, then you'll deal with it then....and you'll have all the support and love from all of us. My mom lost ALL the weight from having her kids and was actually her smallest after all three of us had been born, and we were all c-section babies, so exercise was non-existant in the months following our births...
I also have 3 co-workers who recently had babies, and all three of them gained between 40 and 60 lbs, and now, all but one are lower than their pre-preggo weights, and one is almost there...
Just stay happy, and eat well, and keep your positive attitude and remember that you're growing a beautiful little human in there, who is going to love you SO much, no matter what your size. Your doctor is pleased with you so far, and as long as you're happy and healthy, your baby will be too.
Do you know what is funny, Angie? Even though I came to your blog as a fellow weight loss blogger, I have not wondered AT ALL what your pregnancy weight gain has been! I have just been enjoying your excitement and happy for you that your weight loss led to this pregnancy that you wanted so much. Stay healthy and enjoy this time in your life!!!!!
I think you have a great attitude about this, my dear!
My sister just passed 28 weeks and is so frustrated because she can't seem to gain weight with her pregnancy. I've reassured her with the same reassurances you've given yourself, as has her doctor - her levels are all good, her baby is healthy and growing, and she's feeding herself well. That's what matters.
Even when experienced through others and in different ways, perspective is a wonderful thing - in this case, that you both are having happy, healthy pregnancies - and that's what matters. :)
Tammi: god love ya, absolutely :-)
Tanya: I heart you. You bring up such a good point about not being "embarrassed" which I think I was! Nail on the head. No need for it!
Anonymous: I understand what you're saying as this was in the back of my mind the entire time. I think you may mistake my feelings on my pregnancy weight gain as "excuses" when really it's more me not dwelling on what I can't change at this point. I'm not a person who hides behind excuses because it gets you no where. The fact is that during pregnancy, you cannot go "back" and lose weight until after the baby arrives so here I am at 40 lbs + and that is the reality of my situation at present. As I have said in my blog, I plan on approaching the next 11 weeks very carefully. Yes obviously portion control is to be monitored. I certainly am not naive enough to think that when the baby comes I'll have all kinds of time and energy to devote to what it takes to lose weight. I already know what it takes and it was hard enough having only myself to consider and full nights' sleep. I know it will be hard, but I also know that people succeed that I will succeed. That's not even a question in my mind. I hope that you can finally budge those last 15 lbs and it's the toughest when you're not "overweight" to do. Thank you for your comment and I am trying not to take your comment to heart, but I'm having a hard time seeing how it will befit me from this point forward. I suppose I can thank you for the kick in the pants.
Incredible: thank you for sharing that, very much and as always, for your support and comment :-)
Carrie: Your comment totally takes a load off, THANK YOU!!! It really helps when you hear from "been there done that" Moms who dealt with it and came out on the other side and you are doing it all over again :-) xoxo
Cat: I'll take your Moms story and those 2 out of 3 co-worker stats (with the 3rd nearly there) any day! I heart you Cat and I can't wait to shmoosh you on Friday!!!! xoxo
Julie: Thank you for that sweets, I have been enjoying this pregnancy for that very reason. I think I reason I felt compelled to write about this is simply because of the subject matter of the blog. Thank you for that ;-)
Maria: that is such a great point. While I'm sure most women would love to "trade places" with someone struggling to "gain" weight, I'm sure that issue brings on an entirely different load of anxiety wondering why she's not gaining! Perspective is such a powerful thing to share :-)
i think a huge reason you've been so successful is because you are so balanced! this is a an amazing time! im glad you are being reasonable about the weight gain. you can do this!
Girl..don't beat yourself up over this! I gained 40 with my daughter and now weigh 18 pounds less now than I was when I got pregnant with her. Just enjoy being pregnant!!! I actually miss those days...it is such an amazing time...just let yourself enjoy it. not sure what your plans are, but I lost a LOT of weight breast-feeding...it was practically falling off. The last 15 or so took some work.
Just relax and enjoy these last few weeks! Go out to dinner...sleep in late...watch a movie...go to fancy restaurant...get it in while you can!!! :)
I gained over50 lns with my first. I started at 135 and ended up at 187. And I was busy! I was eating healthy and teaching school (including PE!). After he was born, I got down to 155-160 depending on the day. I wasn't able to loose as much as I'd like to have lost because my baby didn't sleep for more than an hour or two at a time. No sleep = little weight loss.
With this pregnancy I started a little over 160, but ended up at 154 after the first trimester. I'm now at 180 and its ok. I figure I'll end up about the same as last time, but hoping for a better sleeper so a little more weight can come off this time. :)
Obviously the weight gain during pregnancy isn't like any other weight gain, so you have the right mindset not to beat yourself up over it! Plus, you've lost weight before, and you'll do it again when your litle one finally arrives & you have the time!
In unrelated news, are you going to be writing an Epcot post? I remember you saying you were working on it, and I'm curious what you thought of it (I think I mentioned before it was my favorite park!)
I think I gained 55-ish lbs, (I don't know my final weight). Within the first 2 weeks after having Jack I lost 30 lbs.
i'll tell you one thing though, when I was in labour, pushing and screaming, I told my husband to make sure I got in really good shape before we had our next. It was a helluva workout delivering! Do what you want of course, but I recommend hitting the weights.
I'll be 31 weeks tomorrow and have also been disappointed at my weight gain (about 35 lbs, but sometimes 40 - it fluctuates). Just remember, a lot of the weight is fluid. That's what I keep telling myself, anyway. That, and it's all for the little Punkin'. I think it's great you're still eating healthily. My doctor told me that it would be ok to "pay attention to" what I eat, join WW if I wanted, to help me focus on healthy eating, and, basically diet, without saying the D word. Ha ha. As for exercise, I've found that my favorite thing in the world right now is swimming. Not only is it good exercise, it's so nice to relieve the pressure that the baby is putting on my hips and entire pelvic region, it's very relaxing. I recommend it. Good luck, Angie. I think you're doing great. I'll be right there with you in August when it's time to lose the baby weight. And we'll do fine, especially you - because you've done it once, you can do it again. It'll be chump change compared to what you've already accomplished.
You have a FANTASTIC attitude, Angie! As others have said (and you clearly already know), enjoy this special time and don't beat yourself up over what you can't change. You eat healthy and do the best you can -- and that's all anyone can do! I think you're doing AWESOME and you've clearly embraced all the changes that come along with this exciting time.
Keep it up :)
You're doing awesome Ang! You've worked hard to be where you are pre-baby, and no matter what the scale says now, you know that you're still eating healthy and doing your best. It got you to goal once, it'll keep you healthy throughout this pregnancy, and it'll get you back to goal afterwards.
Just for the record though, I lost 40lbs in the 2 weeks after having Molly. I didn't believe people when they said a lot of it was fluid, but were they ever right!!!
My big mistake was the unhealthy eating I did after I brought Molly home. I recommend being as prepared as you can before the Peanut arrives by having healthy frozen meals ready to go (you and DH will not be wanting to cook!).
You are doing great and I can't wait to get out for a walk with you, Molly and the peanut in the near future!
You have done great, I was heavy with all 3 of my pregnancies. You couldn't even tell I was pregnant so I think 40 pounds is great :)
Guys I can't tell you how much I love your comments. Thank you for sharing them! It totally helps when you hear from ladies who've been in the same boat. Thank you.
Teale: you totally got me. I still haven't gotten myself to sit to put it together! lol It's on my to do list :-)
Sarah G: That's incredibly Sarah! I'd love to GTG for some walks and baby time. Have you moved back to Hali yet?
I'm a bit of a blog stalker but had to comment. I gained over 50 with each of my 2 children - but not by eating healthy. You're doing a great job and just remember that a healthy baby is the goal. You can work on getting you back in shape later. It will be worth the wait. Good luck! I love following you through this and am SO excited for you!
I honestly don't think you should worry about weight gain during pregnancy. I gained 35lbs with my first BUT I had her at 28 weeks. SO I was well on my weigh to the 70lb club...
I'm now pregnant with my second one and am not counting a single calorie or worried about gaining 5lbs or 100lbs. If I let myself worry about it too much it gets in the way of enjoying my pregnancy!
What I think is important is your attitude after the pregnancy. You know how much you have to lose... It will be your determination and motivation when the baby is born to get back in shape. At that time you'll have your new baby to motivate you because soon enough you'll need to be able to keep up with a toddler!
I must say that I was so glad to read your post. I, too, have struggled with this very topic and have tried very hard to just come to terms with that fact that - you HAVE to gain weight.
I have gained more than "recommended" and my dr. actually told me she wanted me to lose weight (15 lbs) in the last ten weeks. I'm down to five weeks left - and I certainly haven't lost anything (I think that dr. is nuts! and will not try to lose right now). I just keep trying to remind myself that I am pregnant and beautiful and the weight DOESN'T matter right now.
You keep taking care of yourself and I'll do the same and we'll kiss on these babies soon enough - and then we'll refocus! Right?
I gained 35 lbs exactly with my first baby and when I left the hospital I had lost 20 of it. It took me over a year of working out and watching what I ate to lose those last 15 lbs. It wasn't easy, but you are well on your way of making healthy choices and if you continue on that path the weight will come off. I am now 32 weeks pregnant with my second child and have gained right around 25. I didn't want to gain a lot, but at the same time I know I can lose this weight again. And the gift you get in the end is completely worth it!
It feel so GREAT to have camaraderie and understanding amongst other women who understand. Thank you all! What a DIFFERENCE it makes!
I personally think you are ONE HOT MOMMA! :)
Hey, Angie: Just had time to catch up on your blog, and I could completely relate to this post! I am 26 weeks pregnant tomorrow, and I've already gained 30 pounds. I am doing my best with healthy food and exercise, but really, you just never know what each day is going to be like when you are pregnant. Most of the people I know that have had babies gained more than the 25-35 recommended pounds, and they all seemed to get back to their prepregnancy weight eventually. I think you are doing amazing, you look beautiful, and as long as you and baby are healthy, that's the important thing. I tell myself that too when the scale seems a bit daunting! :) Best wishes for the duration of your pregnancy!
You will get there again. Right now you are growing a human and doing everything you can to be healthy. I gained 10 pounds in one week with my first pregnancy. A total of 55 pounds. I ate so healthy. My second kid was no weight gain until 28 weeks and then 4 pounds every 2 weeks for a total of 25 pounds. I ate anything I wanted with that one. They are all different and you will accept the challenges of having a child and keeping yourself healthy after the birth. You are doing great.
I love reading the wonderful meals you make yourself!!
i just had my first baby and i can say i am truly jealous of how honest you can be with yourself and us! for the first two trimesters, i just kept pretending that it was all "normal" pregnancy gain, and ya'll, it was about as normal as a snowstorm in jamaica. i especially had crazy sugar and dessert cravings, so eventually i substituted these frozen fruit bars by Dole, which i still love and gave me a lot of necessary vitamins. if that's what you're feeling, i would totally suggest these. good luck in your last trimester, and congrats on keeping yourself so healthy for your baby!
I have gained a lot of weight with second and third sons. I had to go back to Weight Watchers in order to be back on track. WW is a lifestyle. If I want to stay at a healthy weight I have no choice but to 'watch' what I eat and also exercise. This is not easy but I know that with the WW support groups you will be able to be back on track when you feel like it. Take your time. The most important thing now is to deliver a healthy baby and to be able to enjoy and cherish the precious moments with your baby.
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