Recently I had a good sensible talk with my doctor about my sharp increase in weight gain. I absolutely agreed with all that he said in regards to problems with my weight gain such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. But as I left the clinic I felt bad about the talk. I felt attacked , honestly I don't know why because everything he said was true and for my benefit.
I will back up and fill you in with big factors such I'm pregnant and close to 38 weeks. My weight gain has been around 55 lbs over the course of pregnancy. Apart from other issues going on with me right , such as being unable to put on my shoes, sleepless nights, problem breathing, getting chores done, taking care of my 3 year old, I'm flabbergasted that someone bringing up my weight issue will bring me down.
Honestly I thought this is the only time in my life that someone wouldn't bring up weight issues. I its shaken me to my core that someone thought I was too fat. I remember the doctor saying "go on a diet if you have to". So it got to me so much that I watch anything and everything I eat right now, and get out of the house for walks. The last time I went for my weekly check up
I had lost 2.5 lbs. I'm hoping not gain anymore until my baby is born.
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Weight gain is such a sensitive topic, it's hard to not personalize it and see it as an attack on one's appearance. Maybe your doctor wasn't as sensitive as he should have been to that issue. I'm sure he was looking at only the health risks for you and the baby and this was not meant as an attack you your appearance or even your success as a pregnant woman. Pregnant women struggle all the time with maintaining a healthy weight - it's even harder than when you're not pregnant. From seeing you in the classroom over the semester, and hearing your opinions, you are a very caring, strong and beautiful person on the inside and out....don't let the weight issue get you down. The doc just didn't want to see your health impacted. Good luck with the delivery if you go in before class meets again!
ReplyDeleteThanks Valerie. I'm anxiously waiting for my munchkin.
ReplyDeleteWeight issue is significant thing that needed to be taken or addressed serious to the society , especially here in North America because of the fact that a big number of people suffer from obesity,and various diseases associated with over weight/obesity for instance Blood pressure. To address weight issue has to start from the familly level,schools,churches,communities and even suport and contribution from the local goverment in doing this people will learn disadvantages of over weight and start making changes of their health by adapting new ways and rrangements of diets.
ReplyDeleteWhile I’m sure your doctor’s comments seemed to come at a very bad time, it is their job to make sure that you know all of the facts about weight gain during pregnancy. Gaining the right amount of weight during pregnancy helps protect the health of your baby. Women who gain too little increases the risk of having a small baby. Low birth weight is a major cause of infant mortality, as well as many childhood developmental, physical, and psychological problems. Women who gain too much are at increased risk of having an early or large baby. In addition, they have increased risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, and varicose veins.
ReplyDeleteI did a little research to learn more on this topic because I thought that while the doctor’s tactic and timing were inappropriate, it is an important topic to discuss.
I was surprised to learn after researching this topic more that women are only supposed to eat 300 extra calories per day during pregnancy. Also, I was surprised to learn that the healthy amount of weight for any women to gain during pregnancy is actually determined by weight BEFORE the baby. If a woman is of normal weight prior to the pregnancy, she should gain 25-35 pounds over the nine months. If she is underweight, she should gain28-49 pounds. If she is overweight, she should gain 15-25 pounds.
I also found it interesting to research where the weight is going. This is the breakdown of weight in the ideal situation:
Baby: 7 pounds
Placenta: 1 pound
Amniotic fluid: 2 pounds
Blood volume: 4 pounds
Body fluids: 3 pounds
Uterus: 2 pounds
Breasts: 1 pound
Fat & protein storage: 7 pounds
I think the main thing your doctor should have stressed was not the importance of how much you are eating or not eating, rather what you are eating. It is a smart idea to eat 5-6 smaller meals during pregnancy and o follow US Food Guidelines. Protein including lean meats, beans, lentils, dairy products and whole grain foots are important. Increasing daily intake of folic acid found in dark green and dark yellow vegetables have many benefits. Folic acid can also be found in fruit, nuts, whole grain breads, fruits, vegetables and supplements. Pregnant women should avoid caffeine and sugar and drink plenty of water. The most important thing is to listen to your body and eat until you feel comfortable.
While I have never been pregnant, I found your story so interesting. Your doctor should have elaborated on his recommendations because the unhealthiest thing to do would be to stress over and lose weight during pregnancy. Hopefully some of this additional research on the topic helps clarify why your doctor brought this topic up!
Well I was able to lose 5lbs till the 39th week which was when I had my son. Today I'm about 20 lbs lighter than that fateful day. The "dieting" which is eating healthy was' so bad. It actually felt good, I wished I'd started earlier.
ReplyDeleteBut all I do now is stare at my little prince. Thank you all for your informative comments especially Amanda.
It is surprising to see that both children and adults have weight problems. There is the need to start education on weight even from the elementary schools.
ReplyDelete