Pregnancy Info HOME

I'm sorry you're feeling so down. Have you tried some mild exercise? Even just walking on a treadmill for 30 minutes a day may give you a boost in your mood, which may help with other things. If you are slipping as far as your eating disorder, your doctor may be able to help you. I'm sure you're not the first patient your doctor has come in contact with who has self esteem/weight issues. I hope you get this resolves, not only for you, but also for your baby!

If it's really bothering you, you should talk to a counselor about it. Also, I know this is easier said than done, but if your doctor isn't concerned, it's not something to worry about. You might just be gaining your weight in an inconsistent way. I gained a LOT of weight really quickly at the beginning of my pregnancy--I gained 8 lbs in the first two months alone, and by 28 weeks, I had gained over 30 lbs! But, it has now tappered off. I'm 34 weeks and actually gaining less than I should per week. I think my total weight gain will be about 35-40 lbs, which is on target. My doctor isn't concerned, so I stopped worrying about it, too. I also put away my scale and rely on the doctors to weigh me (rather than do it every morning and obsess over it).

I can relate to your problem. I have had an eating disorder since I was about 13. I am now 26. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a big person, never really was, but there was always something I didn't like about myself. Pre-pregnancy I was 5'5" and weighed 125lbs. Now I am 37weeks pregnant and I have gained 25lbs. I thought I was doing really good with this pregnancy until I had a nurse pract_tioner of all people tell me that I need to watch my weight. Let me remind you that I am eating better than I ever have in my life. And that just crushed me and now I am seriously freaked about my weight. I could just slap that b___h (excuse my language) For gods sakes, I'm pregnant! Anyways, all I can recommend is watching your sodium intake. Try to stay away from anything with tomatoes or that contains alot of salt. Salt is a huge contributor to weight gain because it turns into water retention which will make your ankles, feet, fingers & calves swell. That alone will help dramatically. Try not to put too much stress on yourself with weight. Ultimately what matters is that your baby is healthy. Of course, don't use pregnancy as an excuse to eat either. I would try walking for about 1/2 hour daily, subst_tuting a fruit or veggie instead of a bag of chips or other junk food, and watching your sodium. Pay close attention to the labels when shopping. Let me know how it works for you. Good luck!

Hi there. I can relate to your situation. I have battled with weight problems since my teens. I am now 34 and expecting my 3rd child. Pre-pregnancy I weighed around 238 pounds and I was attending a slimming club. I then discovered I was pregnant and my first thoughts were about gaining more weight etc. For the first 4 months I was constantly sick and hardly ate a thing. I lost 10 pounds. However I am now in my 24th week of pregnancy and I have only gained 4 pounds so I now weigh less than I did pre-pregnancy. I am terrified of gaining too much weight. I am currently having counselling for my self esteem. I try to eat as healthy as possible. my doctor doesnt want me to cut back on food too much but wants me to try and eat a healthy balanced diet - lots of lean meat, fish, fruit, veg etc. Try and avoid high fat and high sugar foods as this can also contribute to diabetes. I try and keep as active as I can, light gentle walks, putting more effort into cleaning the house etc. I was very sceptical about the counselling I am having but everything he says is so true - being active makes your brain active and it also gives you energy. It also makes you feel good knowing that you are trying to help yourself. Its too easy to slip into a depression - I know I'm slowly getting through it. The main thing is to try not to worry too much as this will only make you feel worse and you will want to comfort eat. Drink lots of water as sometimes hunger can be misinterpreted for just thirst. Water also fills you up and stops you over eating. I hope all this advice helps. But please talk to your doctor - they are there to help. ANd just think of the little bundle of joy you'll have at the end. You'll be kept active and wont have time to eat. Keep us posted how you get on. Good luck x

Sandra-C, I have a question for you. I am also TTC, (#1). It sounds like it was a surprise to you when you became pregnant at 235, but I am currently about 220. In your experience or your opinion do you think this will hinder my chances to become pregnant? I am totally freaking out with all the talk about extra fat causing excess estrogen production and therefore acting as natural birth control. Let me know what you think and congrats on your little one. SEND SOME BAB Y DUST MY WAY!!!

Krissy, I was having problems with my periods. I didnt seem to be ovulating at all and my periods were like 60 something days apart. I know I wasnt ovulating. Personally I DID think it was due to my weight but I tried to lose some weight, eat healthy and be more active. I also started taking a herbal supplement called Vitex which is said to regulate female hormomal imbalance. Then I discovered I was pregnant so not sure if just coincidence or due to the Vitex.. I still worry about how much weight I will gain through the pregnancy and how I will get it back off afterwards but so far everything is going ok. No major problems - or none related to weight anyway so good luck!!!!! If you can try and lose some pounds it will only benefit you in the long term. Babydust!!!!!

I don't know if anyone has hit on this yet but you can see a dietician even though you're pregnant and she can tell you what you need to be eating and what to avoid. Sometimes knowing you have to go back to her will keep you motivated.

Now is not the time to stress over body image. You have enough on your plate with being pregnant. If I were you the first thing I would do is think about what all of your stressing out is doing to the baby. You ned to remain calm and enjoy your pregancy. It is a beautiful thing. Once the baby is born than you can worry about the losing part. but even so you could do some walking just to put your mind at ease, now is not the time to start up a rigorious exercise program.