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SORRY VERY LONG POST Nightmare pregnancy really worried!

112 replies

ChanFirstTimer86 · 21/11/2021 21:48

Hi guys this is my first and only ever pregnancy. I am 18 weeks today and 35. Now abit about me I started very obese 16ish stone at 5ft1. I also have IBS and constipation anyway due to painkillers. In 18 weeks I have gone up nearly 3st!!! Im nearly 19st (I cant remember my exact start weight it was 16 something) I am extremely constipated. I am on 3 different types of laxatives and still struggle with my BMs. Im also severely dehydrated (im not diabetic). My whole life I have been a constant urinater day and night. Literally 30 times or more every single day. I cannot drink the recommended amount of water its just not worth the toilet trips. During my pregnancy Im still going to the toilet excessively but I have dry mouth, cracked skin side of my nose and dry lips. Which is madness to say I am still urinating constantly. I am wondering if I weigh so much because of a combination of IBS bloating and constipation made worse by pregnancy and pain killers and also swelling due to water retention? my midwife is really annoying. She just constantly says she doesnt know what I am going to do if I keep gaining like I am all the way through! which is not helpful. She is also dismissing Im developing SPD because of how soon. I tried to explain to her im 7st over obese (30 BMI) and 9st over Overweight! (28BMI) a baby weighs 6 to 10 pounds so yes eventhough I am not far along it doesnt matter what a baby isnt pushing on me because of the relaxin and my heavy weight it makes sense that I have been experiencing it early. I have all the symptoms back ache, vagina ache and pain, pelvic ache and pain, top thigh ache and pain, knee pain, pain when gettin up and down, standing, walking etc. I am eating really well sure I eat massive portions but so many vegetables and fruits. I do eat the odd treat but not bad enough to have gained so much weight. I havent EVER put on weight so fast and Ive eaten much much worse. I just dont know what to do I feel so unsupported. My mum had her last baby 15 years ago she cant remember much and im single and live alone so got no one to help me. Im just really scared this weight will not stop creeping up. The thing thats making me feel a little better is my clothes still fit except for the tummy area and breast area. If someone had gained nearly 3st of actual weight it would be allover wouldnt it? my legs would have gotten bigger arms etc. Another thing is my shoes dont fit by the evening another sign of swelling. REALLY sorry for the long post I just dont know what to do. I have physical hunger but no appetite. Meaning I get up in the morning because im experiencing the worst hunger pangs of my life that snacks dont even touch I have to get alot of food down me to make them go. Because I am trying to eat well thats a heck of alot of food and yeah its just depressing when you dont have the desire to actually eat it. Thanks in advance for any shared experiences or advice x

OP posts:
ChanFirstTimer86 · 22/11/2021 09:02

[quote LadyCampanulaTottington]@ChanFirstTimer86 It does matter where they come from because metabolically they are processed differently.

I’m not talking about weight loss I’m trying to help you stop gaining weight.

You seem utterly determined to ignore my advice.[/quote]
I have tried low carb diets they do not stop me gaining weight. I dont agree with your advice I am not ignoring it the fact I have ketogenic strips sitting in my bathroom cupboard proves I have gone down that route I got to go to the hospital now so I cant explain I am no stranger to low carb

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ThatsNotMyReindeer · 22/11/2021 09:08

If those are standard days you're eating 4-6 meals a day. That's a lot. Also when it comes to counting calories (who gave you that calorie target?) there is no room for "about 20g", "about" will be more, you will be under estimating calories unless you're weighing food accurately. The seeds, nuts, olives, dried fruit etc. Are all also small volume but calorie dense - are these weighed accurately each time?

If you're finding you're needing large quantities of food, it might be worth having a look at slimming world which is based on the volumetric diet principle, and its safe to follow when pregnant.

endofthelinefinally · 22/11/2021 09:14

Has anybody mentioned diabetes insipidus OP?

ThatsNotMyReindeer · 22/11/2021 09:15

basically im nearly 19st and im 5ft1

Buy you're not 19st, you are 16st something (your booking in weight will be in your maternity notes) plus some constipation, a baby, amniotic fluid, a placenta, increased blood volume...

Notbornwithit · 22/11/2021 09:34

I gained a ton with my second. I couldn’t understand it because I was being quite good about not over eating and watched my calorie intake. It turned out to be lots of water retention as I dropped 30lbs ( peeing and sweating it out was very surreal) the first week after birth. I didn’t have high blood pressure at all. Water weighs a lot and it’s not always obvious. At the end I couldn’t put shoes on and I had carpal tunnel but apart from my feet it wasn’t totally obvious I had so much water.
Agree with the above. If you’re only 5ft 1 you don’t need that many calories. I’m 5ft 10. I ate 2000 until third trimester and then added in 200. Once the water weight, baby and everything had gone I still had about ten pounds to lose so I think I was definitely eating enough

HalfShrunkMoreToGo · 22/11/2021 09:36

I would not be at all surprised if you were insulin resistant or diabetic. Constant gnawing hunger, thirst and frequent urination are all signs as is rapid weight gain.

The problem with the carbs is that they will be spiking your blood sugars even though your diet is nutrient rich, varied and 'healthy' it may well contain foods your body cannot tolerate

turnthebiglightoff · 22/11/2021 09:46

Recommended calories are not necessarily for people who are significantly overweight. Why are you eating at 2am / 4am etc? Those are pointless meals. If you are 3 good meals a day and snacked solely on protein outside of that 1-2 times per day, you will find that you aren't gaining so much weight. I gained 2.5 stone in my first pregnancy with a nearly 10lb baby, and toward the end of my pregnancy I was very uncomfortable and big. I am pregnant again and being very mindful of what I am eating - I am 5 foot 3 and 10 ish stone, so really don't want to put another 2.5-3 stone on this pregnancy as that also plays absolute havoc with my bladder - the weight and baby weight on my bladder meant I was going to the bathroom at least once per hour.

Try to replace at least one meal with a big glass of water.

Mwnci123 · 22/11/2021 09:49

I hope you get some good medical advice op. Lots of responses focusing on carbs rather than the medical issues.

HastySlander · 22/11/2021 09:54

You wouldn’t necessarily struggle to lose any weight with hypothyroidism and it is interesting that you supplemented T3 before and lost significant weight. If your thyroid is under active it can cause you to lose copious amounts of salt and therefore electrolytes so you’re not adequately hydrated. That leads to endless weeing coupled with water retention because actually you are dehydrated. Also v important that edema is seen in pre eclampsia. Regardless of cause, this level of water retention isn’t normal and you need to get checked. If you’re getting no where with your midwife/GP either push for a second opinion or go private if you can.

HalfShrunkMoreToGo · 22/11/2021 10:00

Next step seems to be requesting a blood work up focusing on thyroid function and diabetes. If they come back normal then at least you can strike them from your list of possibilities and request additional investigation.

Newmum29 · 22/11/2021 10:12

If you have hypothyroidism it’s very easy to get it tested and confirmed, just a blood test. I had hyperthyroidism and lost 10kg in 10 days post birth (bmi was 24). I only gained 6kg the whole pregnancy. It corrected itself once I stopped taking breastfeeding supplements. You are eating an insane amount. Hunger pangs will reduce when your volume of food goes down. St the moment you just need more and more to sate you.

bluebell34567 · 22/11/2021 10:34

do you take any medications that can make you feel hungry?

ChanFirstTimer86 · 22/11/2021 10:58

right guys just got back from the hospital I saw a pain specialist and spoke to a dietitian. They were not concerned with what I am eating. They also are not concerned with what the calories are in terms of fats carbs proteins. Because I am not eating sweets fastfood etc and I ONLY eat when I am hungry. To the person that said why are you eating at 4am because I went to bed after my third meal about 12amish and woke up at 4am absolutely starving to the point I cant sleep. This morning I had a nutrient rich smoothie milk, water, 5 dried apricots a sprinkle of ground flaxseeds, a cucumber end, a scoop of collagen,80g of blueberries and 40g oats that was at about 7:45 and now I am STARVING nearly threw up in the taxi on way home starving. Thats why I eat late etc but I eat well. Theres no point in telling me to eat less because I eat just to satiate no eating because Im bored or I just fancy it. Ive done many a fast even did a 72 hour fast once and wasnt even slightly hungry trust me I can easily put down the fork. I find eating the way I do depressing at the moment because if I ignore it its an unbearable uncomfortableness you cant sleep through or concentrate through. I used an online calculator to guage my calories I ate what it told me to eat. No one else had any bright ideas so thats what I did and Im still starving. My pain specialist mentioned my thyroid and I have just had my blood done for it. But I was very refreshed on one hand to see that the dietitician was not shocked or worried about my diet and they looked at the problem being medical rather than the food. Even if I am eating too much its not enough to have put on this much and thats the real issue. Can you get any tests for water retention anyone know?

OP posts:
ChanFirstTimer86 · 22/11/2021 11:00

@bluebell34567

do you take any medications that can make you feel hungry?
No not at all. This insane hunger started when my morning sickness did so about 6 weeks in. Ive experienced it before in my life when ive been eating crap (alot of sugar) and i may have it a week. But its always resolved itself. I got it just before I got pregnant because I restricted my calories right down to a calorie deficit but it went away within a week. But ive had this now for 12 weeks
OP posts:
ChanFirstTimer86 · 22/11/2021 11:03

@HastySlander

You wouldn’t necessarily struggle to lose any weight with hypothyroidism and it is interesting that you supplemented T3 before and lost significant weight. If your thyroid is under active it can cause you to lose copious amounts of salt and therefore electrolytes so you’re not adequately hydrated. That leads to endless weeing coupled with water retention because actually you are dehydrated. Also v important that edema is seen in pre eclampsia. Regardless of cause, this level of water retention isn’t normal and you need to get checked. If you’re getting no where with your midwife/GP either push for a second opinion or go private if you can.
im always insanely dehydrated today I had a big mug of tea and a decent smoothie i made myself with lots of liquid and my mouth is bone dry its always bone dry. I urinated twice at the hospital less than 20 minutes ago and now im busting to go again yet my mouths bone dry
OP posts:
ChanFirstTimer86 · 22/11/2021 11:04

@Mwnci123

I hope you get some good medical advice op. Lots of responses focusing on carbs rather than the medical issues.
yep and the dietitian agrees with you on this one
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ChanFirstTimer86 · 22/11/2021 11:06

@endofthelinefinally

Has anybody mentioned diabetes insipidus OP?
never heard of that will give it a google
OP posts:
ChanFirstTimer86 · 22/11/2021 11:07

@HalfShrunkMoreToGo

I would not be at all surprised if you were insulin resistant or diabetic. Constant gnawing hunger, thirst and frequent urination are all signs as is rapid weight gain.

The problem with the carbs is that they will be spiking your blood sugars even though your diet is nutrient rich, varied and 'healthy' it may well contain foods your body cannot tolerate

I am going to try and get more tests done I had my urine tested today she said there was a teeny tiny bit of blood because its so sensitive but nothing else. I have horrific IBS so I definitely have foods I cant tolerate very well
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Somebodylikeyew · 22/11/2021 11:11

The high level of carbs you’re eating WILL be increasing your hunger, because of how they impact your blood sugar. Oats are one of the worst offenders for that in me; if i eat them i am ravenous again two hours later.

Ive no idea whether you also have medical things going on, but all those carbs aren’t helping you.

ChanFirstTimer86 · 22/11/2021 11:13

diabetes insipidus sounds like a very likely factor. I will still continue to urinate even when not drinking anything. When I used to sleep for England I wouldnt get a drink all day and would still wake up all the time to urinate. Less than when I drink throughout the day but more than I should for someone who hasnt drank anything

OP posts:
Toddlerteaplease · 22/11/2021 11:13

@endofthelinefinally

Has anybody mentioned diabetes insipidus OP?
I just had the same thought. Though surely it would have been picked up as a child. As she would be very I'll with it untreated.
ChanFirstTimer86 · 22/11/2021 11:16

@Somebodylikeyew

The high level of carbs you’re eating WILL be increasing your hunger, because of how they impact your blood sugar. Oats are one of the worst offenders for that in me; if i eat them i am ravenous again two hours later.

Ive no idea whether you also have medical things going on, but all those carbs aren’t helping you.

I just eat what I can stomach I keep getting pregnancy nausea from not eating and certain rich foods cause it too. I wouldnt eat the way I am eating now if I wasnt pregnant when I am on a weight loss diet I wont eat wheat at all. I dont eat mashed potatoes. I limit my rice and i never eat pasta anyway. I am just eating what I can get down me and what takes away the starvation. Its a real burden trust me Id love to be able to go ages without food but I am proud of myself that I dont reach for the mcdonalds or chocolate bars
OP posts:
endofthelinefinally · 22/11/2021 11:17

If you can afford to see an endocrinologist privately it would be worth doing. Have a look at your local NHS trust website to see which endocrinologists work in the trust. Then look up whether they do any private practice. It is best to keep it all in one area because they know how the local hospital works and they know their colleagues. It sounds as if you do need specialist advice.

ChanFirstTimer86 · 22/11/2021 11:18

SUNDAY

Caffeine tea with almond milk, satsuma and punnet of raspberries

Protein Pancakes - 60g ground oats, medium egg, 200ml unsweetened almond milk, tsp chia seeds, 3/4 scoop vegan birthday cake protein powder, baking powder
with Berry Compote - Handful berries, water, cornflour and dash sugar free vanilla syrup

Half a granny smith apple, handful carrot sticks and 16g smooth cashew butter mixed with abit of boiled water

Smoothie - Handful of Seitan (vital wheat gluten dash of low sodium soy sauce filtered water), handful of kale, handful of spinach, cucumber end, thumb of ginger, greens powder
tsp chia seeds and whole medium sized kiwi, frozen apple core plus filtered water

Chicken burger patty with Baby gem lettuce for bun and American mustard, 5% fat caramelised onion beef patty with lettuce bun and American mustard. Handful of Mixed bean salad
(Leaves, carrot, granny smith apple, cherry tomato, mixed beans (kidney aduzki etc) and white truffle olive oil and a tiny drizzle of balsamic glaze)

Soup leftover dinner salad (Leaves, carrot, granny smith apple, cherry tomato, mixed beans (kidney aduzki etc) and white truffle olive oil) and vegetable bouillon. Pick out the beans from the leaves. Boil and blend
the veggies with filtered water. Then add back the beans

Stirfry - About 166g Turkey breast meat mince (tiny bit of leftover teriyaki sauce and chinese 5 spice), pak choi, sweet bell pepper, mange tout, baby corn, beansprouts with a tiny bit of mirin, chinese
5 spice, dark soy sauce, msg, garlic and fish sauce

MONDAY

Deaffeinated tea with almond milk, satsuma and punnet of raspberries

Protein Pancakes - 60g ground oats, medium egg, 200ml unsweetened almond milk, tsp chia seeds, 3/4 scoop vegan birthday cake protein powder, baking powder
with Berry Compote - Handful berries, water, cornflour and dash sugar free vanilla syrup and cinnamon

Granny Smith apple except core and 16g smooth cashew butter mixed with boiled water

Soup - Blended(baby gem, cherry tomatoes, kale, spinach, carrots, apple core, 3 skin on new potatoes, filtered water, garlic, white truffle olive oil and bouillon) added whole half tin mixed bean salad (kidney adzuki etc)
and half a pack of brown rice with quinoa) topped with half a large avocado

Courgetti Bolognese - Turkey breast mince, sauce ( Orange bell pepper, a quarter tin of chopped tomatoes n juice, squeeze tomato puree, handful of carrot sticks, fresh basil, 35g lacto free cream cheese, drizzle maggi
liquid seasoning, filtered water, vegetable bouillon, sprinkle oregano, sprinkle stevia) and a spiralised courgette into courgetti pasta. Sprinkle of nutritional yeast on top

Half a large mug of leftover soup with extra water

100ml filtered water, small scoop of super greens powder and tsp chia seeds plus a satsuma

DAILY EXERCISE - Completed full circuit walk at a slow pace (only took pedometer out for last part which was over 4000 steps will calculate full steps next time) ESTIMATED STEPS 10,000

TUESDAY

Decaffeinated tea with almond milk, satsuma

Overnight oats - 40g oats, 100ml unsweetened almond milk, 1tsp chia seeds, half scoop vegan bday cake protein powder, accidental splash of cinnamon syrup (was meant to have vanilla sugar free) and cubes of mango. Boiled egg
and some baked beans and small potato cubed into hash.

Medium Granny Smith apple and 15g cashew butter mixed with boiled water then 2 psyllium husks with filtered water

Medium kiwi with skin on

Soup - Blended cooked (edamame beans, apple core, baby gem leaves, veg end bits (pepper n pak choi) and bouillon) blended raw (half large avocado and cucumber)

1tsp chia seeds in filtered water

half pot aldi fat free vanilla greek yoghurt

Oven Baked trout no skin, boiled new potatoes, raw carrot sticks, cucumber, 7 cherry plum tomatoes and pomegranate seeds with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and salt

Cant sleep drs didnt have my perscription so its going to be a long night so I am very hungry I finished off half a large mug of my leftover lunch soup then about a hour or more later
blueberry alpro soya yoghurt, handful of seitan and a satsuma

heres a pre pregnancy diet calories were about 1700 as that was what was advised to be in a deficit much less carb rich would love to eat like this now but it wouldnt touch the sides

OP posts:
ChanFirstTimer86 · 22/11/2021 11:22

I lost a stone in 4 weeks if anyone tries to say its too much food too many calories. It was what my height current weight and exercise level told me I needed. And it worked wonderfully

OP posts: