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Doc says I'm 3 Pounds Overweight - Eating right, doing what exercise I can. Advice?
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Anonymous
This is my first baby. Thought I was doing ok with weight but doc (at 20-week visit) said I'm three pounds overweight. I know that may not seem like a lot under normal circumstances, but the fact that he brought it up concerns me, especially since I've been eating healthy foods and walking whenever I can. I was not "overweight" pre-pregnancy (144 lbs, 5'6"; now 161 lbs @ 23 weeks). I wouldn't even think that three pounds would be much to remark about, but again - as doc did, I'm nervous about my weight gain and frustrated that what I'm doing in terms of diet and exercise isn't working. 
Any advice? |
Anonymous
| My advice would be to take doc's comments with a grain of salt. Try to watch what you eat a little more carefully, but don't really worry about it. |
Anonymous
| Dr is probably just trying to make sure that weight gain does not continue at this pace, since between 20 and 35 weeks is the high weight gain period for most women. Try to relax, think about anywhere that perhaps you might be overdoing it and perhaps make a few small changes. Do eat when you are hungry and continue to make good choices. If you are very concerned, then keep a food diary and perhaps dr. will advise you during your next appointment! |
Anonymous
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I started my current pregnancy (#3) 5 lbs heavier than I started #2. I was concerned about this and my dr told me that I might read in places that I should eat an additional 300 calories a day during pregnancy. Her advice was that for MOST woman, this is not necessary. I definitely thought I was suppose to have an additional healthy snack each day during pregnancies #1 and #2. So far I have not had it - and at week 13 have only gained 1 lb. I think there is a combination of factors at play for me - BUT there are some people who it does not matter what you do, you gain weight during pregnancy.
If you are eating the additional healthy snack - give it up for the next few weeks. I am not saying to starve yourself or diet. Good luck |
Anonymous
| 3lbs? I dont even know how its possible for someone to be 3lbs overweight, since ranges vary and I can gain 3 lbs in 1 day! Either way, just eat as healthy as possible, indulge when you need it just to satisfy and make sure you keep feeling good. Dont let 3lbs (which could easily be water or time of day) affect you at all. |
Anonymous
| I'm surprised your doctor said that. Everyone gains weight in different spurts. I remember I had one month where I gained 6 lbs and the next one was 2 lbs. My doctor would say remember - it's cumulative, weight gain is not going to come exactly one or 0.5 lbs per week. I was also almost exactly your size, 5'6" and 145 - I felt like I was always on the higher side in the 2nd trimester. Overall, I gained 35 lbs. |
Anonymous
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I would find a new doctor.
Personally, the fact that they mentioned anything at all, when you are clearly within the normal range, is a little telling in my opinion... |
Anonymous
| That's BS. If you're eating well and living healthily your body will gain as it needs. |
Anonymous
I should clarify...I meant telling about the OB's attitude, manner, etc. He/she sounds inflexible and IMO that does not bode well if the labor/delivery ends up being long, with complications, etc. |
Anonymous
| I agree that the doctor's statements are ridiculous. I switched practices for my second pregnancy (with no mention of weight gain the entire time), but at my first practice there was once concern that I hadn't gained enough and then a few weeks later concern that I gained too much. I think as long as you are practicing healthy habits, 3 lbs is nothing to worry over. |
Anonymous
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Please don't take this the wrong way...
I suspect your doctor mentioned it because at 144 lbs and 5'6" to begin with, you are probably on the very heavy side of "healthy". I would probably consider you "overweight", but it certainly depends on how your carry your 144 lbs. (I say this as someone who is 5'6" and has been 140 lbs. I have always been heavier than some, but my "better" weight is probably more like 132-135. According to BMI statistics (which I put very LITTLE stock in) we should probably both be more like 128. Add to your initial weight the fact that you've put on 17 pounds by 23 weeks, I think he is just concerned about where you might be HEADING. The PP is right, that usually you get very little weight gain by 23 weeks. I am currently 23 weeks and have put on 8 pounds. I am your height. I started my first pregnancy at about 132, and finished at 158. I started my second pregnancy at 138, and finished at 161. Now on my third, I started at 135... and hope to top out around the same range. I don't tell you this to say I'm better or worse than you... just to give you a comparative perspective. It may be that for various reasons, your "healthy" pregnancy weight is higher than mine. But pay attention to your calorie intake. I've never counted calories, but if you've been "eating whenever you want" you may need to rethink. Eat when you're hungry. Don't eat when you're not hungry. And don't give yourself the, "I'm pregnant, so its OK to stuff myself" mentality. You do not want to become overweight during pregnancy. Its bad for you, its bad for the baby, and its depressing when you're a new mom and tired and suddenly have 15 -20 "extra" pounds to shed. I hope I didn't make you feel worse. I guess its my long way of saying, I don't think you're in trouble yet... but you might be headed in the wrong direction. Time to take stock of your eating/exercise habits and see if you need to make an adjustment. |
Anonymous
| Thank you all for your feedback. I too was surprised re. doc bringing it up as it would otherwise be a small amount - but perhaps it is the concern re. cumulative weight gain, as was pointed out. Think I will keep a food diary. Always helpful in the past. Sincerely appreciate all your feedback. Thanks! |
Anonymous
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Re. 11:30 a.m. post. Wow. 128 lbs. Haven't been that weight since college. 10 + years ago. Perhaps, technically, I was "overweight" to begin with - but I can't do anything about that now. I've always been big in the boob, hips, and small waist. Never eat fast food and did exercise regularly. Anyway - understand your point re. watching things. I will continue to do so. Anyhoo, thanks again, all, for advice.
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Anonymous
| Your doctor is a moron. |
Anonymous
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Agree that 1130 is a little over the top. I am 5'5", 150 lbs, a size 6, and in excellent health. I actually had a meeting with my doctor about my weight/health and he thinks I am at my ideal weight. I forget the exact measurements, but he took some measurements and said the size of the waist, hips, and amount of belly fat was way more indicative of overall health than just weight alone.
Aiming for a weight to try to match up with a chart is silly. |