Weight gain despite not eating much?

[Anonymous]

I’m a FTM and currently 18 weeks pregnant.

Last time my OB took my weight I was 123 pounds and I was 14 weeks (I didn’t gain any weight at that time). I didn’t weigh myself until just now at my 18 week appointment and was surprised to see that I’m now 130 pounds when I know I’m not eating above or even at my caloric need. Granted I ate a meal about two hours before and was super bloated when they weighed me but I’m still surprised to see that much weight gain.

I know it’s normal to gain weight during pregnancy and the further along I am, the more I’ll gain but is it possible to gain this much when I’m eating the same as I did when I didn’t gain any weight? I just don’t want to gain so much weight so I’m trying to be careful as to what and how much I’m eating.

[Anonymous]

The baby needs you to eat. Don’t restrict your eating. You need to talk to your doctor.

[Anonymous]

You should speak to your doctor about your concerns. Do you have an eating disorder?

[Anonymous]

Why are you eating below your caloric needs? That is way worse for you and the baby than weight gain.

[Anonymous]

2nd trimester you gain 1/2 to 1 lb per week. I gained the quickest in the 2nd trimester. Your metabolism changes and you will gain even if you aren’t trying to eat more.

[Anonymous]

Ask for an A1c.

[Anonymous]

I gained the most 2nd trimester and not that much at all in the 3rd. I was an healthy weight to start and gained 25-30 lbs total each pregnancy. Eat nutritious foods and enough calories - you’re growing a new life and your body needs it for all the work it’s doing.

[Anonymous]

Most people vary up to 5 pounds in a day when you consider water weight and food consumption so variety is to be expected. You said you were bloated and just ate so you were likely in the high end of variation.

As someone with a family history of pre-eclampsia I would recommend checking your weight in the morning as a very sudden weight jump (in days, not weeks) could aignal water retention.

Talk to your doctor about any concerns, of course.

[Anonymous]

Your baby is going to take what it needs. If you’re not providing enough calories your metabolism is going to plummet to hang onto every last one. Outsmarting biology isn’t possible, and there are long term effects to what you’re doing - like osteoporosis for you and long-term growth restriction for your child.

Bottom line, this is disordered eating and you need to seek help from your OB.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Your baby is going to take what it needs. If you’re not providing enough calories your metabolism is going to plummet to hang onto every last one. Outsmarting biology isn’t possible, and there are long term effects to what you’re doing - like osteoporosis for you and long-term growth restriction for your child.

Bottom line, this is disordered eating and you need to seek help from your OB.

Baby was measuring perfectly in my last ultrasound and it was an anatomy scan.

I did have a previous ED but I have recovered. I just don’t want to gain a lot of weight during pregnancy and was surprised to see this weight gain despite me not eating much.

[Anonymous]

Why are you trying to limit food when during pregnancy?

I say this as someone who only gained 15 lbs first pregnancy and 11 lb the 2nd...that was never intentional- I didn't cut anything from my diet until being diagnosed with gd..this isn't the time to try to diet

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Your baby is going to take what it needs. If you’re not providing enough calories your metabolism is going to plummet to hang onto every last one. Outsmarting biology isn’t possible, and there are long term effects to what you’re doing - like osteoporosis for you and long-term growth restriction for your child.

Bottom line, this is disordered eating and you need to seek help from your OB.

Baby was measuring perfectly in my last ultrasound and it was an anatomy scan.

I did have a previous ED but I have recovered. I just don’t want to gain a lot of weight during pregnancy and was surprised to see this weight gain despite me not eating much.

I say this gently. You still have an ED.

The baby measured perfectly because our bodies will protect our babies for the most part. It’s going to cost your longterm health. But you know that. I hope you’re taking vitamins and at least getting enough protein.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Your baby is going to take what it needs. If you’re not providing enough calories your metabolism is going to plummet to hang onto every last one. Outsmarting biology isn’t possible, and there are long term effects to what you’re doing - like osteoporosis for you and long-term growth restriction for your child.

Bottom line, this is disordered eating and you need to seek help from your OB.

Baby was measuring perfectly in my last ultrasound and it was an anatomy scan.

I did have a previous ED but I have recovered. I just don’t want to gain a lot of weight during pregnancy and was surprised to see this weight gain despite me not eating much.

This is your ED talking. It is not normal to restrict eating or be upset at gaining a small amount of weight during your second trimester. You are literally growing your baby’s brain right now. Eat well.

[Anonymous]

I hope you can get some support in your pregnancy journey, because said with love, this does not seem to be the best frame of mind.

I’m a mom of three. The body is going to do what it wants and you have very little control over that. I have gained and lost more than 200lbs over the course of my pregnancies. The best thing I ever did was stop looking at the scale and to make sure my weight was a private number for my doctors. It can be challenging to see your body change, and it sounds like maybe the numbers are not information that you need.

Good luck to you!

[Anonymous]

caloric restriction during pregnancy can cause preterm labor. Please eat for the health of your baby