I am 6 1/2 months and have gained 40 pounds whats happing?

Question

I am 5'9 and gaining weight like crazy. I dont over eat. I do give into cravings once in a while. Ive cut back salt and am trying very hard to cut back sugar, I cant seem to stop gaining weight. Before i got preg. I didnt eat more than once a day due to a family tragity. could my motabilizem be off from that?

Answer 1

You are correct that your metabolism could be off for various reasons, but I don't think that 40 pounds is too much weight to gain.
If in fact your metabolism was off before your pregnancy, I think the best thing to happen is for you to gain more weight.

I am a seasoned grandma who had lots of kids, and have watched through history that doctors often change the guidelines about how much weight a pregnant woman should gain. Since I first had children in the 70's, and even before when my mom was pregnant, the "rules' have changed! Doctors have recommended a weight gain from as little as 15 pounds to as much as 60 pounds during pregnancy.

I would err on the side of too much weight gain, and now the theory is to avoid dieting or cutting back on food during pregnancy. It is hard to imagine, but in the 50's, doctors put women on amphetamines (diet pills like 'speed') to help them control their weight! We have come a long way!

Much of that weight is fluid, and you may not be able to determine that until you have your baby. I would suggest focusing on what types of food you eat, to ensure good nutrition for you and the baby. This is much more important than worrying about a few extra pounds.

You might also consider that most pregnant women don't gain weight in the ninth month. So, it is likely at your rate that you may not gain more than a total of 50 pounds. There is nothing wrong with that at all.

BTW, if you breastfeed, your body needs reserves because it requires about 500 calories per day to nurse a baby. Regardless of whether you bottle or breast feed, you will still be amazed how fast the weight will come off.

If you are really concerned, you might try some safe exercising like daily walking, rather than cutting back on food.

You are correct however, it is true that sugar and salt should be avoided during pregnancy; the salt will produce edema (fluid retention) and with all pregnancies, one should avoid short-term diabetes by not eating much sugar.

I am sorry about whatever the tragedy was, but now you can place all your positive thoughts and trust in a new life.

Best wishes!

Answer 2

When your pregnant your suppose to worry about your weight, unless you are under weight. If you are gaining more then expected and your trying to prevent it by eating better, good for you, not too many woman can do that. the healthier you eat the healthier your baby will be. the only time you have to worry about gaining weight is if your eating fast food. that is probably the worst thing you could eat if your pregnant. it has even been linked to having complicated deliveries. Just remember though, after you give birth, you have to eat more the once a day if your going to be breastfeeding.

Answer 3

You should check with you prenatal dotor but excessive weight gain that is not related to over eating could be a sign of preeclampsia ( also known as toxemia). it can occur in first time pregnancies and beyond the 20th week of pregnancy. preeclampsia is pregnancy-induced hypertension. other signs and symptoms are swelling of hands and face, protien in your urine blurred vision severe gastric pain. it can become serious very quickly so ask your dotor......I had it and I delivered my daughter at 27weeks ....she was 1 pound 5 ounces at birth but now she is a happy and active 2 year old. I didn't know I had it If I would have know about this I may have been able to prevent delivering early.

Answer 4

well i dont really know anything about pounds as i go by kilos (aussie)
but you can definately gain alot of weightwhile pregnant the average weight gain is around 14 kilos when i was pregnant with my son i had put on 25 kilos and i am now 8 months pregnant and i have put on 12 kg which is normal. i wouldn't really worry you need to be putting on weight to make room and comfort for your baby alot of it would be fluid if u are really worried ask yor doctor. or visit www.pregnancyabout.com that might help u..

Answer 5

your metabolism may be off because of your past eating habits. ask your doctor to maybe help you with your weight gain and pregnancy dieting.. you can look up information about weight gain around the internet.

Answer 6

Don't worry everybody gains weight when pregnant. Just eat healthy and after you have your baby continue to eat healthy and exercise. (yes after not eating well your body turns everything into fat that way the next time you starve yourself it has something)

Answer 7

don't worry, the weight gain will slow down. i have know people to gain as much as 75 pounds during pregnancy.

Answer 8

it is normal to gain weight when you are pregnant.

the baby and the water bag in your belly weighs something you know.

but poor baby, if you are not eating normally, your baby could suffer and may not develop fully.

you will lose the weight once you give birth.

Answer 9

ask your doctor, its normal to gain weight while your pregnant though, dont starve yourself, the baby takes ALL of your nutrients so make sure you're taking a multivitamin that a prenatal one and you need to eat more because your baby needs that nutrition.. or he/she's going to be preemie..

Answer 10

You're prolly having a baby cow.