Stressing about weight gain (2nd pregnancy)

[Rockchick1984]

I gained an obscene amount of weight when I had DS - I'd always been slim before and didn't realise how big I was getting until I'd given birth and made the mistake of getting on the scales

I'm now expecting DC2 (early days yet, I'm only 4 weeks along) but already the mad constant hunger has kicked in that I experienced last time.

Any tips for how to get this under control? Before getting pregnant this time I was still a bit over my target weight, I just can't let myself get so big again

Hi Rockchick1984 - first of all, congratulations on DC2! I'm on DC1 (6 weeks) and already worrying about weight gain.

I'm usually very active so getting motivated after the birth to start exercising properly again doesn't worry me too much but stretch marks do! So I'm determined that any weight I put on will be gradual... having said that, last week, all I could stomach was buttered toast and salt and vinegar crisps! So this week, I have started making a note of what I'm eating (not in a really strict/obsessive kind of way) just so I can see how many nutritious things I'm eating and also roughly how many calories I'm taking in. It's really helping e.g. a few days ago I ate so many ginger biscuits, it was a whole meal's calorie intake! So now, I'm allowing myself to maybe 4 biscuits a day if I want them.

I've never calorie counted in my life so it's interesting to observe my eating habits! Taking into account also that it's shrove Tuesday today...

Hi Serious congratulations! If it's any help, I didn't get any stretch marks with DS despite putting loads of weight on, clearly my weight gain must have been just so constant that my skin adjusted fine to it Have you put any weight on so far?

My problem was that I presumed I could just diet and go back to the gym once I'd had DS, but he's always been such a bad sleeper that I've just never had the energy to get back to it all, and kept filling up on sugar to keep myself awake for at least 6 months - I think it's been so long now that the unhealthy eating habits are completely ingrained now

My hunger got crazy at some points, and my doctor said to fill the house with nutritious foods, throw out any junk and then eat what my body was asking for... For me it is much easier to avoid overeating when my options are fillin and not too sugary, like veggies with hummus or yoghurt with sliced apple, rather than calorie-dense like chocolate and biscuits or even a handful of dried fruit! Bircher muesli for breakfast has also been great for me - it's so filling that I can manage... Well, I never honestly manage to skip morning tea, but at least I avoid tucking into my lunch at 11.15!