Weight Loss While Pregnant?

I think it's probably much worse to lose weight in the 2nd and 3rd trimester. The thing about it is that a baby is kind of like a parasite (sorry!) It will take from the mother to protect itself. The one to worry about is YOU. You need plenty of calcium/vitamin D and magnesium because the baby will pull it out of your bones. That makes you really susceptible.

Once you get to 28 weeks or so, your doctor will REALLY want you to gain weight, at least 1 pound a week.

If I were you, I'd make each and every thing that you put in your mouth COUNT. Look at a pregnancy book and see a menu. You can also make protein and fruit milkshakes to help. Remember that protein is important. It feeds the baby's brain.

I would step back on the walking, to be honest. The threatened miscarriage is reason enough to limit your exercise. Bed rest is serious business.

Another thing I want to tell you, having been on bed rest myself, is that you need to make sure that you drink the amount of water the doctor says to drink. Every day. Have it measured out in the morning and sip on it all day. The uterus is a smooth muscle tissue, D.. If it becomes dehydrated, it starts to contract. AND, a full bladder pushes against the uterus and THAT can make you contract, too. So, what you need to do is drink and pee, drink and pee. A hydrated uterus and an empty bladder is very important. Don't hold your bladder. It's really important not to.

I hope you've been taking pregnancy vitamins since you got pregnant. They are very important.

As you get bigger, try to lay and sleep on your left side. There is a large blood vessel that runs through your spine and the weight of your uterus/baby cuts some of the blood flow off, which is why you shouldn't lay on your back. Research has determined that the left side is optimal (I don't remember why).

Don't overdo. Your hormones are really different right now and when you are tired, REST. Sleep as much as you can. A clean house can wait.

Good luck. It's not easy being pregnant, for many of us.

What does your doctor say? And how is your nutrition? You should be ensuring that you getting plenty of good quality, high protein nutrients.

I lost 8 pounds during my entire pregnancy and after giving birth I walked out of the hospital 20 less than I was before I got pregnant. The only health problems I had during my pregnancy were one bladder infection and severe heartburn. My daughter was and still is healthy. I was fortunate that I had no morning sickness, and no cravings. Every woman is different as is every pregnancy. My advice, keep in communication with your doctor, and keep a journal of what your eating, what exercises your doing, and any thing else that you feel is significant.

Your best bet here is to ask your doctor.

I lost weight in the first trimester with all my pregnancies. I didn't have weight lose either. I was already very thin. Eventually though I put weight on...I think I gained about 30 - 35 lbs each pregnancy.

You didn't mention how tall you. Do you have weight to lose? I have friends that were 9 months pregnant and only gained between 2-6 lbs. They just decided to eat healthier and lost fat while their babies grew and thrived.

What does your doctor say?

I lost first trimester weight with all of my pregnancies, usually 10-15 lbs. I was overweight to begin with (actually in your range for my first, more overweight for my later pregnancies) so it wasn't an issue. I never got sick, I just wasn't very hungry. Apparently, my body really likes HCG. It's pretty common and as long as your doc isn't concerned, nothing to worry about.

I kept the weight off through the second trimester and put back only a little in the third, usually ending the pregnancy a few lbs (less than 10) over my pre-pregnancy weight. I would go home from the hospital 10-20 lbs lighter than my pre-pregnancy weight and would flaunt my skinny jeans. Then the rapid weight gain would begin and I'd be 10 lbs OVER my pre-pregnancy weight at about 12 weeks post-partum. Maddening.

Congrats on your pregnancy!

I am one woman that lost weight with each pregnancy--wish it had stayed gone! With my first, triplets, I lost 12 pounds the first trimester. I was a little overweight to begin with and you don't say how tall you are. However, I was just not hundry. I had to remind my self to eat. I also kept a journal on what I ate so I could see if I was eating healthy enough. I also had a consult with a nutritionist and we talked about good fats to make sure I had enough for baby. The doc was concerned at first but since it appeared to be a pattern, no problems. I gained a total of 4 pounds--36 pounds lighter after birth. The second pregancy I gained 8 pounds, third again 8 pounds. And I lost weight first for all. In all, the doc made sure the baby was growing--we did additional u/s to make sure. One idea was baby was sitting on my stomach so I did not feel hungry.

Since you're not puking up everything your eating I'd be very concerned. Seriously, you have your normal weight then the baby has it's weight that includes everything going on inside your uterus.

I'd probably cut back on the walking and take it easier. The doc put you on bed rest and you only lost a couple of pounds. When you walk you lose 16 pounds and nearly have a miscarriage.

Please find a doc that deals with exercise and nutrition during pregnancy. You should not lose nearly 20 pounds your first trimester. You shouldn't be gaining a ton either but you've lost a percentage of your body mass.

That concerns me.

There is a site, sparkpeople.com, that has a section where you can put in everything that went into your mouth each day. They give you a bunch of other information if you want it but they can tell you how many calories you need to be taking in and what foods you might need to add.

Pregnancy takes your calories. So you need to eat more but not excessively.

I had a boss whose wife lost weight while pregnant.
Her doctor was concerned at first but she was walking every day and her health was fine.
Just keep in contact with your doctor, drink plenty of fluids and eat as healthy as you can.

I lost almost 20 lbs n my first trimester. I would make sure that you are upping the ante a bit on the most nutritious foods and healthy fats. if your body is absorbing your stored fats at this rate, you will need to replenish it/give another source to absorb form. You don't have to go crazy by any means, and some weight loss is normal while your body adjusts to providing nutrients to make a new person... But you don't want to lose too much.

Out of curiosity... Did you not mention your weight loss when you were at the ER? Or asked your doctor about it? They would have a better grasp of the situation than we do.

I know lots of pregnant woman who lost weight in the first trimester. Lots and lots.

What does your OB/GYN have to sy about your weight loss?

The only instances I have heard of weightloss with preg is when people started out overweight/ obese to begin with and then as a result of more carefully monitoring their food choices accomplished weightloss while pregnant (although not done with the outright intent of loosing weight while pregnant).

Best,
F. B.

I do not think weight loss is particularly uncommon for many women during the first trimester or so.

I would think a call to your OB/GYN would be appropriate if you are concerned. That is why they are there!

In the mean time, make sure you are eating well...and if STILL concerned, get some 'carnation instant breakfast' powder, and blend it with a nice ice cream! It will help pack on some pounds, and still have some nutritional 'bang'!

Best!
merry merry!

Hi D.,

If you are truly absorbing nutrition, it's possible and can be healthy to lose a little weight. Weight balances when the body gets what it needs. If you are not being extra cautious with your nutrition, then you might have a cause for concern...but most moms-to-be are make that effort as I'm sure you're doing. If you're still losing weight in your second trimester, then make sure you talk to your doctor.

Regards and congratulations,
M.

Talk to your doctor. A couple of my friends lost weight but were OK. But overall, great weight loss is unexpected.