I can't stop eating

[Anonymous]

This is more of a rant - and maybe a cry for some nutritional advice. I'm 19 weeks along with #2. I only gained 18 lbs with #1 - partly because she was 3 weeks early and partly because I had a hard time with my appetite and nausea the whole way through with her. This time is completely different. I had horrible nausea at the beginning but now that I'm done with that, I am eating my way through every day. I am STARVING all of the time. I don't know if the baby is having a growth spurt inside or what, but I cannot get enough food. Particularly candy and apples. I'm starting to feel like I'm going to get out of control. Anyone else? Does this feeling of not ever feeling satisfied end? or, am I on my way to a 50lb weight gain?

[Anonymous]

Maybe add some protein and water to your snacks?

[Anonymous]

are you getting any physical activity. A brisk walk and a drink can help ward off the hunger.

[Anonymous]

OP here - I drink tons of water - and work out every day plus a 1/2 hour walk or yoga every evening! I'm just wondering if the ravenous hunger is going to stop soon?!!!

[Anonymous]

chew gum

[Anonymous]

Eat. if your body is telling you to eat, just eat. As long as you are not eating empty calories (sweets, junk food etc) and eating good things then you will be fine. It probably wont be like this all the time so just listen to your body.

[Anonymous]

Or try not to obsess about the numbers. I may well have put on 50lbs with my first child; I stopped looking when the numbers got too horrifying. And I'm short and relatively small in stature/weight. Part of it was that he was a big baby, 9 pounds plus. But all the pregnancy weight came off immediately - literally, because a lot of it was water weight. I mean, I dropped 10 pounds within 18 hours after coming home from the hospital. I'm on my way to another ridiculous pregnancy - I'm in my second trimester but just the other day someone asked how many weeks I have left! I wish it were different - carrying around a lot of weight is truly uncomfortable, and I feel like a spectacle by the end. But I also recognize that the numbers are less important than a healthy child, particularly if my last experience is any guide to what happens post-birth.

[Anonymous]

I'm 34 weeks now, and remember being a lot hungrier in the 2nd tri. I say eat, but try to eat healthy, high-fiber stuff that will fill you up. Apples are great - I often halve them and add some peanut butter in each half. Protein definitely makes me feel fuller longer - try to include some at each meal or as snacks. Eggs, cheese, cottage cheese, nuts, & peanut butter are good protein sources (as long as you don't have any allergies, of course). Try eating whole grain bread or cereal instead of refined - you'll feel fuller for longer since the whole grains take longer to digest. Maybe some carrots or fruit or fruity yogurt & granola will help with the craving for sweets? I found that actually eating sugary foods made me feel worse afterwards. I also agree with the tip to stay hydrated - you need a lot more water than you think you do, and being a little dehydrated can often make you feel hungry when you may not be.

[Anonymous]

I am in the same boat (I'm 32 weeks now w/ #2). With my first one, I didn't gain any non-baby weight and lost it all immediately. I guess I just wasn't as hungry. This time around I am constantly hungry! There is no difference in the pregnancies except that I had nausea in the beginning this time around which actually forced me to eat more so I could keep it down.
Frankly, I expect that I'll just have to work a bit more on losing weight this time around, but not eating never seemed like an option to me. I think this baby is bigger and my boobs are bigger so I have def. put on more weight with this one already, but I also think I've been more hungry. I have also been craving sweets now, but not with the first one. My dr. recommended I only eat sweets twice/week...so far I have not been able to follow through on that. I do think that drinking more water would help....Don't fret too much. If you are disciplined after the baby comes, you will lose the weight.

[Anonymous]

If you are hungry, then your body is telling you that you need to eat. Make sure you are getting enough protein and the right types of fat (yes, you need to eat some fat too). Balance your carbs with protein -- i.e., have an apple with low-fat cheese for a snack. If you just fill up on carbs (even healthy carbs), you will still be hungry. Pregnancy + exercise every day = a lot of calories required.

[Anonymous]

No enlightening advice here, just sympathy! I'm at 39 weeks and have gained approximately 50 lbs. This is despite working out nearly every single day throughout the pregnancy. I've definitely eaten way too many sweets and hit McDonalds and Wendy's too often (I work long hours and commute an hour each way, which makes for a long day and no energy to cook) but I think I just didn't realize that I should have cut my usual calories until it was too late.

Apples are mostly water, so I wouldn't worry too much about those - maybe try to curb the candy intake a bit? Maybe keep healthier stuff on hand that would address the same urge as the candy? I have a cup of fat-free instant cocoa every day and at 80 calories, it helps cut the candy cravings for a couple hours.