13 weeks - worrying about weight gain!

[Newbie10]

I am 13 weeks today and I find that if I am not worrying about the baby I am worrying about my weight and putting it on. I don't yet have a bump but I can feel I have put on some weight. I previously lost 3 stone and so I think I am so worried about putting that all back on and not being able to lose it afterwards. I exercise 4 or 5 times a week but I also feel like I don't stop eating at the moment! I know it is silly to worry about my weight as I will put weight on, I almost feel like if I had a bump I would find it easier to accept. Did anyone else feel like this? How did you deal with it? How much weight should you put on? I haven't got on the scales since before Christmas!

[Dolwar]

I feel your pain. I too am worried about it although I know I'm really active normally and not overweight although I have been a long time ago. All I can say is that they say not to bother eating for 2 until much later on in the pregnancy so just eat normally and healthily. Also if you breast feed it'll come off quicker. It is normal to put weight in due to baby, fluid, placenta and your body preparing so don't expect not to!

[LondonGirl83]

Newbie-- how much weight they recommend you put on depends on your BMI when you are first pregnant. If you aren't currently overweight (BMI above 25) then anything between 25 and 35 is seen as normal. The vast majority of that is baby, placenta, extra blood volume, amniotic fluid and intracellular fluid. You also have a larger uterus and more breast tissue which accounts for another few pounds of the recommended weight gain.

[CatRash]

I'm 13 weeks today too and I've put on about 8-9lbs so far

It has worried me a bit but then I just think my tits are bigger, waist line is thicker and I'm prone to water retention anyway. And Christmas has just been! Also I never used to eat breakfast but midwife told me too plus it keeps the morning sickness at bay too - so my meal intake has increased by one and I also have one or two snacks now whereas before I had none!

It is depressing but then I just think of the baby growing inside me and suddenly the weight gain is completely insignificant!! When bubs is born I'll try to lose the excess weight and breastfeeding will help that too.

There's no reason why I shouldn't be able to lose the weight afterwards so I'm not letting it get to me (too much).

If you've lost 3 stone previously (well done BTW) then you shouldn't have any issues getting into shape post-pregnancy.

[Newbie10]

Thank you all. I do expect to put on weight, it is just a very weird sensation after years of trying to lose it or keep it off! I am super excited about being pregnant and I think having our dating scan tomorrow will help with that and also put things into perspective a bit as well. I am hoping that by staying fit and active now it will help with the labour and with losing the weight afterwards. You are all right - I should stop worrying... just easier said than done something :-)