Not gaining weight

[AimeeLou84]

Hi All. I’m 20 weeks Wednesday and since I had my first hospital appointment I’ve lost just over 1kg. I’ve not gained any weight whatsoever and I don’t look pregnant, I look like I’ve eaten too much. Is it normal to not gain weight? I’m basically looking for reassurance before my scan on Wednesday. I’ll of course mentioned it but I’m already worrying about every little thing. PS I have a high BMI

I didn't start gaining until 20 weeks. The baby is pretty much just a large baking potato in weight. Obviously, there is extra fluid, placenta, and so on, but with nausea and trying to eat healthier, it must have equalled out.

I don’t know about further along, but I’m 9 weeks and have lost 6 pounds since I found out I was pregnant. I assume it’s because I’ve cut out alcohol and am being sick all the time.

Have you been able to eat well in your pregnancy or have you been finding it hard? I’m currently not worried about the weight loss because even though I’m not eating as much, what I can eat is balanced and mostly healthy.

Perfectly possible, the lack of alcohol and possibly you taking more care about what you eat may offset the pregnancy gain. Try not to worry.

I’ve obviously not touched alcohol since I found out but I did drink every weekend prior to that. I’ve not had sickness during pregnancy however I do have bouts of diarrhoea and although I’m eating loads I’m wondering if that’s causing the weight loss.

I’m 17 weeks and only gained a pound since falling pregnant. They aren’t concerned as I’m eating normal since I’ve been on cyclizine

I am 33 weeks pregnant and have only put on 2lbs, I have a high bmi and stayed the same weight all the way through until 2 weeks ago. Baby is growing normally and weighs 4.5lbs already. So don't worry, just try eat as well as you can and once the scans are fine you will be fine too!

Thanks All!

@Ek21 Ok this is good to hear as I also have high BMI which is making me wonder if that’s why I haven’t gained weight, weird I know but something I read. Thanks so much for responding I feel more relaxed now!

I think the recommended weight gain is somewhere between a stone or 2? But that changes when you already have a high bmi.

I put on 10lbs in pregnancy. Most of that in the 3rd trimester. I was 7lbs lighter than when I conceived a week after given birth, so literally just the baby/placenta weight was gained. But my BMI is very high.

With a higher BMI you shouldn't gain as much weight and should keep an eye on it. Mine was 26.5 and I only gained 5.5kg last pregnancy and it was my second. Have since put weight on being home!

@AimeeLou84 no problem. I asked my midwife and gp about it when I was in the 2nd trimester because I was worried about gaining no weight. Midwife said baby takes everything they need from you and this is why you don't gain weight when you have a high bmi. Best of luck with your pregnancy!

I also had a high bmi when pregnant and lost weight then maintained and never gained and baby is perfectly healthy. I think you naturally lose weight growing a baby and make conscious efforts to eat better ect. I did mention it to my midwife who wasn't concerned at all x

Thanks everyone! I feel much more relieved now!

Hi @AimeeLou84 - I'm in a similar position (high BMI, 20 weeks tomorrow and scan on Wednesday!) and just wondered if everything worked out for you and baby in the end? My husband thinks I'm not eating enough but I feel like I'm eating exactly as before and everyone keeps telling me not to eat for two 🙃