Dieting through pregnancy?

Former Member

I'm really freaking out after a visit to the doctors last week. I'm almost 7 months pregnant and my doctor told me that the hospital had sent him a letter saying that they were concerned about my weight gain throughout the pregnancy (I've put on 1 1/2 stone so far). What freaked me out though is the fact that I haven't been weighed by the hospital since my first appointment, so I'm thinking I must look like a real fat bastard if they are commenting without actually weighing me.

I've had mild eating problems in the past and have starved myself and made myself sick. I really thought that was completely behind me, but since my doctors appointment I've really cut down my calorie and fat intake and I'm really worried about how this will affect the baby.

I'm also really angry that the hospital didn't voice their concerns to me. I organised the doctors appt because I was ill, so if I hadn't I'd never have known there was a problem.

I don't think I've ever felt so disgusting in all my life.

Former Member

For the love of god, you MUST go back to your doctor and discuss this with them.

Eating problems have a nasty habbit of cropping up in difficult circumstances but now it's not only affecting you.

Please go and see your doctor. You must be feeling guilty enough already but you have a responsibility to this baby as well as to yourself.

The fact is, pregnancy isn't all hearts and flowers and 'a bit tired...' some people hate being pregnant but you can't let your feelings about yourself endanger your baby.

Argh, I don't wanna lecture.
Doctors. Please.

Former Member

OMG he means your not putting on enough weight, youre supposed to put on between 2 and 3 stone in pregnancy - stop dieting now, this is not the time to worry about your figure, your body needs the extra calories as you are building another human being from scratch. i put on nearly 4 stone when i was pregnant which was about a stone over what i should have done, but my baby was a very good weight (6lb 2) even though he was 5 weeks premature. just eat lots, you can always lose the weight afterwards - breastfeeding helps to burn up loads of calories (about 500 calories a day) it took me a year to lose the weight, if your doctor knew you were dieting in pregnancy hed go mad

Former Member

also the majority of weight put on when pregnant, is not actual fat, you have a lot of extra blood, your heart increases in size to take the strain, the amniotic fluid weighs a lot too, but you do need to have extra fat stores anyway in preparation for breastfeeding whether thats how you choose to feed your baby or not

Former Member

ive had another think about it, and i dont think theres actually anything wrong with your weight gain, it might be a little under average, but dont worry, for 7 months thats not too bad, i wonder what your doctor was on about? i still stick by what i said though and thts that you should never try and diet in pregnancy

Former Member

Just wanted to say thanks for your replies. I'm feeling much better now and much more in control. Despite having two bad days at the weekend where my diet was quite extreme, I think I've got the balance right now. I'm eating healthily (but plentifuly) and not eating junk (which I had been doing prior to visiting the doctor).

I actually feel healthier and have more energy so perhaps the doctor was right, but I think he must have hit a raw nerve and it sent me spinning.

I have checked this out and apparantly my weight gain was completely normal, so I must admit I find his comments a bit strange.

Anyway, thanks again....

[ 16-04-2002: Message edited by: lovedup ]

Former Member

Hello
Have you seen our pregnancy articles? Here's one that relates to diet etc...
Blooming lovely

Hope that helps
Susie <IMG SRC="smile.gif" border="0" ALT="icon">

Former Member

ok im sorry this does not really have much to do with the topic, but i was just wondering how old u are, are u still with the babys dad? and are u worried about the baby being born? its just i am really broody and do want a baby, i am 17

Former Member

Hi Joanne, I'm 23 and yes, still with the babies dad. We've been together for 6 years, having met when I was your age.

The best advice i could give you is have loads of fun just now, there is plenty of time for starting a family. We spent the first few years of our relationship getting to know each other and having a real laugh together, without having to worry about being reponsible.

There was times when I was broody too, but when I look at myself back then, there was no way I was ready for a baby. If I was you I'd wait.

Former Member

i thought u would say that! i have been with my bf for 2 years and i dunno but i just feel that i am ready now.

Former Member

Quite a few of my friends had kids young. They all thought they were rock solid with their guys, but every one of them ended up breaking up. They are all adamant it was the pressure of having kids that did it.

What age is your boyf? How would you mamage financially?

Former Member

i too got broody when i was about 18, it was sooo intense, i kept looking through baby catalogues and magazines and just want a baby. i got a hamster instead!!! and the broody feelings went away, i guess some people need to have something to look after and love. im glad i didnt have a baby then. im now 25 and married and have a 15 mth old baby boy who i adore. im so glad i waited till i was more secure.
saying that though, a lot of people do have children very young and are very good mothers, but its really hard work and a huuuuuuuge responsibility. if i were you id enjoy the time you have with your partner for a bit longer and put off having a baby for another couple of years

Former Member

above post was for joanne by the way

Former Member

thankyou. i have decided towait 4 a while. in some ways i know i would make a great mum now or in the future but i dont think id like having my freedom took away now.

i like to do what i want when i want. maybe in th future i will feel different.