14 answers

Weight Gain

I am 16 weeks pregnant with my second child. With my first, I used the opportunity to indulge in some foods that previously I considered "off limits." I was underweight/ normal with my first and wound up gaining 35 pounds which, from what I've read, is at the upper end of "normal". This pregnancy, I started off 4-5 pounds heavier than the first. I have made a concerted effort this time to eat healthier foods and not indulge in every craving. So, when I hopped on the scale this morning, I was very surprised to find that I have gained 7 pounds since my last appointment 3 1/2 weeks ago. Has anyone else had a similar situation? My exercise consists of chasing around my 2 year old daughter (which I think tops any work out I've previously done (:). I don't want this request to come off as vain. I of course am most concerned about the health and well-being of the baby and will eat whatever is necessary to ensure a healthy, happy baby. I was just a little taken aback by the number on the scale and was curious if anyone else had been in the same boat (and, if so, did the weight gain continue in such a dramatic fashion)? Thanks in advance of any input!

What can I do next?

Featured Answers

Hi L.,
The same thing happened to me with my 2nd child. I gained more weight (overall, 5 lbs more) and I gained it quicker, mostly in the first 5 months then leveled off and gained slower toward the end with a few appointments not even gaining anything. My belly continued to grow, so I chalked it up to the baby taking some of my calories to grow. She gained, while I lost - good deal! Don't worry about it. I will say that it has been harder to take the weight off the 2nd time around because there is less time and energy for exercising with 2 kids, and a almost a year later, I'm still stuck 15 pounds heavier than I want.

More Answers

My normal weight b4 I got preggo was 125lbs and the day I delivered I was 175lbs- so I gained 50 pounds!!!! I ate pretty good and my only indulgence was a few pieces of cake.

When I gave birth I lost 30lbs immediately- I was FULL of fluid and a 8lb 9.5oz baby!!

So maybe you are gaining more weight b/c your 2nd baby is bigger, which causes more fluid build up. That was my suggestion anyway.

My daughter is 9mos old and I have been at about 126-128lbs since she was 5 mos old

@}~>~~

I just had this happen to me! I went to my 2 week check up at the doctor and had gained 6 lbs! I freaked out, with my first I gained almost 50 lbs, but this time am in the "normal" weight gain range. However, I go back on Friday and so far haven't gained anything this 2 weeks. So who knows? This happened once before in my pregancy, I gained a lot for 1 month, but the next month had only gained 1 lb. It could be water weight or just that you body had a big growth spurt. I wouldn't worry unless it keeps happening :)

I believe weight gain is perfectly natural when a woman is pregnant. I was your age when I had my son, nine years ago, and I gained more weight than I would have liked. I was quite active working in a summer program with kids. I watched what I ate and still gained the weight. My son was absolutely perfect and still is to this day. He is a picture of health nine and a half years later. Don't worry about your weight, just watch what you eat and continue your exercise.

I know exactly what you're talking about!! I was very causious with both of my pregnancy's. I ate pretty healthy (only allowing myself to "indulge" once a week)but, in both pregnancy's I had a check up where I was "scale shocked" at the amount that I had gained since my last check up. I'm certain that you are doing everything right. Just remember the main reason to eat healthy is because it's important for your baby. But, by keeping you're body healthy you're keeping your baby healthy. My advice would be to not be so hard on yourself. With my first pregnancy I gained most of my weight int he beginning and really leveled off at 5 months... which is quite the opposite from most people. By 12 weeks I had already gained 11lbs! But, at the end of my pregnancy I only ended up gaining a total of 20lbs. And I didn't change anything throughout the pregnancy. Things will level off. It's very normal to have one month where you gain more than you normally would and that's usually followed in the next month or two by gaining on the lower end of what's normal for you. Just keep in mind... the number on the scale isn't what matters! It's how you feel that matters. If you feel good about the food you're putting in your body and if you feel good about the proper amounts and types of nutrition you're giving your baby... that's what matters. I know sometimes that's hard to remember bc we don't always feel great, but it's true. And for the record... I don't think you sound vain at all! It's important as a woman and mom to feel good, healthy and beautiful... pregnant or not. Good Luck!

Congrats. better you than me. I have no enegry after running around behind my 2 yr old to try to get prego. LOL dont worry about weight gain just eat healthy. You might be retaining water or eating too much salt. I am diabetic so I could only gain 25lbs with my son how hard do you think that was. Also muscle weighs more that fat so although you may not see it but picking up a baby creates muscles in your legs and arms. YOu scale at home and dr office is probaly not calibrated so also take that into consideration. Good luck and take it easy.

I had my daughter this past January. I did have a similiar experience. I was about 28 weeks pregnany and gained 8 lbs in one month. I was a little concerned too. But my doctor said that it was fine and I started eating a lot healthier. (I was already eating healthly but I changed a few things...) Some of it can be water weight. But many doctors tell you to keep yourself well hydrated with water and juice and eat lots of fruits and veggies. But what they don't tell you is that juice and certain fruits are REALLY high in sugars and that can make you put pounds on. So water down your juice a little and watch the fruit/sugar intake. Any kind of berry is low in sugar but high in vitiamns. Apples are one of the fruits highest in sugar.
Don't worry, next time you weigh in, you may only have gained 2lbs. Like I did. It will end up averaging out. Good Luck!

I was under weight for my first and gained 40 lbs then gained 35 lbs for my second. Happy to say that I am at my regular weight right now. I was surprised at how quickly I put on the weight with my second compared to my first. I gained at the end of my first pregnancy and at the beginning of my second. Don't be surprised that it is differnt the second time around.

I would recommend just monitoring my food intake and trying not to overdo on some of the "off limit" items. Pregnant women actually only need about 300 extra calories a day! Also, your OB will check to make sure there is no sign of gestational diabetes that may be affecting your weight gain. Overall, every pregnancy is different, and if you are eating 3 healthy meals and 2 small healthy snacks in between, you should not be too concerned!

Required Fields

Our records show that we already have a Mamapedia or Mamasource account created for you under the email address you entered.

Please enter your Mamapedia or Mamasource password to continue signing in.

Required Fields

, you’re almost done...

Since this is the first time you are logging in to Mamapedia with Facebook Connect, please provide the following information so you can participate in the Mamapedia community.

As a member, you’ll receive optional email newsletters and community updates sent to you from Mamapedia, and your email address will never be shared with third parties.

By clicking "Continue to Mamapedia", I agree to the Mamapedia Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.