Weight Gain

Updated on June 21, 2008
L.J. asks from Tampa, FL
16 answers

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!

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R.G.

answers from Tampa on

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.

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C.G.

answers from Tampa on

Don't worry as long as you and your baby are healthy. Weight gain in each pregnancy can be quite different. With my first, I gained steadily throughout, with my second, most of the weight gain was at the beginning, with my third, I barely had any weight gain until the end (and I was skinnier than when I got pregnant with my 2nd). I really didn't do anything different from one pregnancy to the next, except for running after toddlers in rounds 2-3.

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H.S.

answers from Tampa on

Do not worry!!! With the second you almost always gain more weight and faster than the first. I was underweight with my firstborn and actually lost 13 lbs due to severe morning sickness. With the second at around 8 weeks I was already bursting out of my jeans. With my first I didn't have to wear maternity clothes til my 7th month! Just do what your baby needs and you will be fine! and Congrats!
H.

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J.B.

answers from Tampa on

I gained all of my weight in my first and second tri, I was due in September and from mid April to mid May I gained 8 pounds. The OB scolded me and I was completely freaked out. The weight gain slowed and then came to a halt during my third trimester. Like you I was VERY careful about everything that went into my mouth and I exercised 5 days a week. I still gained 40 pounds, but since it was on "good" food it all came off within 3 or 4 months of having my daughter.

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B.R.

answers from Tampa on

Hi L.,

Don't worry. Little 'jumps' like this are appropriate to growth spurts in the baby. You may notice that you are showing a bit more now! It will even out over time and you may have more little jumps from time to time. The important thing is not to stress yourself over it and let it effect your diet. It sounds as if you are doing exactly the right thing by choosing to eat healthier and you certainly have some good exercize going on! You may want to think about a bit more structured exercize though - swimming, walking and yoga are especially good.
A healthy weight gain is normal in pregnancy and as long as you begin within your BMI range then a gain of up to 50lbs is acceptable (although up to 35 would be optimal!) I encourage all my clients to eat a healthy diet but to indulge themselves in a treat every now and then to stay sane!!
Hope this settles your mind.

Take care, B.

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R.C.

answers from Sarasota on

I was seeing two different practices for my two pregnancies, and both doctors and nurses said that a mid-pregnancy jump in weight is normal. I don't remember the exact week, but it was around there.

I can also say I gained more the second time--but he was a much bigger baby!

If you're eating well, I'm sure you can trust your body. I'd just mention it at the doctor if you're concerned. Good luck!

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C.S.

answers from Tampa on

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!

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K.H.

answers from Tampa on

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.

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M.S.

answers from Sarasota on

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!

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T.H.

answers from Tampa on

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.

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W.A.

answers from Houston on

I had weight gain similar to that as well and my doctor blamed it on water retention. He said that it was not possible to gain that much unhealthy weight in such a short period of time. I ended up only gaining 25 lbs, and in the last trimester I hardly gained much weight. Hope this helps, W.

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B.L.

answers from Fort Myers on

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 h*** o* 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!

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M.H.

answers from Washington DC on

I am 30 weeks pregnant with my second. there was one appointment just like what you mentioned. Funny, it was exactly 7 pounds too in the same period of time. I asked the nurse and doctor and they said having a jump like that can be normal. I haven't had another jump since, so don't worry. I am currently on track to having gained 35 pounds at the end of this one. I am not being nearly as cautious as you are, I indulge! I'm planning on this being my last pregnancy and I won't be able to do these things after! I of course eat healthy for the baby and once a day, naughty for me! My diabetes test came back normal so my doctor said that is fine. He said that the amount of weight I ganin is not going to negatively affect the baby, it is just more I have to loose after. I think you will not see anymore drastic jumps like that again and if you do, it isn't hurting the baby, just your waistline!

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C.C.

answers from Tampa on

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.

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M.L.

answers from Tampa on

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 :)

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J.C.

answers from Fort Myers on

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

@}~>~~

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