Water weight?

Question

I am 30 weeks pregnant and have gained 50 pounds so far. I am very swollen in my ankles and legs. Before pregnancy, I was a petite 115 pounds wearing a size 3 jeans. Now I am wear a size 15 in regular jeans! When I look in the mirror, I don't feel as if I look like a size 15! Is most of this water weight? How much should I lose after pregnancy naturally (without exercise)? I plan on exercising, but when does the baby weight come off naturally? When does your belly go down after having the baby?

Answer 1

Well, all these questions don't have a definitive answer, but I'll try my best. Usually, they say a good weight to gain is between 30-35 pounds. You are a little over that, and that doesn't really matter. It just means you will have more to work on after the baby comes. Don't stress now, or diet!!! This can have serious consiquences for the baby. Usually, right after birth, you loose between 15-20 pounds, just from the amniotic fluid, baby, placenta and extra water weight. So drop what you gained by about 20 pounds. Then, if you are putting on water, you will probably sweat out a lot of it during the first few months after baby. Trust me, you will sweat a lot, especially if you plan on breastfeeding, so keep a little washcloth or dishtowel around.

Also, make sure you are drinking enough water. You can retain water if you aren't drinking enough, so make sure you are drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day. Usually pregnant women need a few more glasses then that a day, so keep drinking the water!!

If you are planning to breastfeed, you will loose some weight that way. You burn a lot of calories breastfeeding, so it's a good choice for weight loss.

Don't worry about your figure right after the baby is born!! The first few weeks, you will look like you are still around 5-6 months along. This is normal!!! Some women are lucky and they don't look that pregnant after, but it takes time for the uterus to shrink back to it's normal size and for the muscles to go back to their original position. Don't stress over it. It won't do you any good!! Just realize that you put the weight on for a very good cause, and it will be gone if you work on it and take it in stride.

Also, don't worry about what pant size you wear right now!!!!! Your circumfrance is going to keep changing, and will be bigger before it's smaller. Maternity pants are sized different for a reason!! Most women look at maternity pants as a gift from God because there really are no sizes other then small, medium, Large and x-tra large. So go get a few of them and then be glad you are in either small or medium!!

I would wait to start exercising until you are cleared for it at your 6 week post-partum check. Doing anything really hard at first can cause healing to stop, or can rip stitches if you have them. If you end up with a c-section (not likely, but still a possibility), it will take longer before you can start an exercise routine. Don't worry though, all us women that have babies worry about our weight, and about loosing it after baby. It's natural. Just don't push yourself too hard at first and just think what all that weight you put on accomplished!!! Good luck!!

Answer 2

It sounds like a lot of water weight gain to me. My friend gained 70lbs. most of which was water and had to be put on bed rest because the swelling became so sever. You should talk to your doc on way to combat this, they can help you.
As for your other questions, every woman is different. I have seen woman go back to the normal size within a month or two and I have seen woman never lose the weight. Just think of it this was, it took your body 9 months to change into what it is now. It is not just going to go back to what it was in a day. It takes time, be patient, exercise and take good care of yourself. More than likely things will go back to normal in about 6 months, that is the average.

Answer 3

Before I got pregnant with my son (now 3) I weighed 115... was the same build as you... when I went into the delivery room I weighed 168.... When I left the hospital 2 days after delivery I weighed 120... it depends on where you are carrying the weight. I was all belly... still had the tiny little frame of a body and this enormous belly.... the same happened with my daughter... she is 1 1/2 now and I weigh less after 2 kids then I did when I originally got pregnant.... breastfeeding helps take off some weight (or pump) and I did a lot of walking after I recovered.... but each person is different... good luck and congratualtions!!!!!

Answer 4

increase your non workout activity levels

Answer 5

Drink plenty of water daily

Answer 6

take a break from blue moon belgian white a 164 calorie treat and grab a miller genuine draft which is only 64 cals

Answer 7

replace your scale with a tape measure aim for 32 1 2 inches or less for women and 35 inches or less for men

Answer 8

got nuts with nuts eating a handful of nuts will help you stay full try soaking them in water for a different texture

Answer 9

fly a kite for 20 minutes

Answer 10

make an office snack box of your own so you re not tempted by your colleagues candy bowl fill it with small individually packaged portions of soy chips almonds and dried fruit