Weight gain in Pregnancy

Let me start by saying that the “average” recommended weight gain during pregnancy is 25-35 pounds. This recommended weight gain is also what my physician and I agreed upon. Now pregnancy is not by any means a one size fits all, heck pregnancy is so weird that you could inevitably have some symptom no one in your family or circle experienced and thats okay.

I just wanted to mention that metric to paint a picture of what parameters most medical professionals use. When my doctor first mentioned that amount of weight gain towards the very end of my first trimester I was so shocked! I literally knew nothing about pregnancy other than what I ferociously (and most of the time panicked) searched on Google. Now this is just my own personal experience and in no way reflects your own personal journey of pregnancy, but I just needed and wanted to share my point of view for any woman who has been pregnant and still deals with body image issues.

How I viewed my shape and how I still see myself in the mirror is a heavy weight, most of the time its unintentional how we judge ourselves and how those feelings of self doubt and self worth creep up. I knew before I ever got pregnant that I would struggle watching my body disappear not because of the vanity, but because I hold myself accountable for my own health. I literally love working out, I'm obsessed with seeing results, bettering myself, and feeling healthier as I go. Competing in pageants most of my life instilled in me qualities of accountability, and responsibility to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. Now throughout my pregnancy I promised myself I would continue to workout 6 days a week, and I have. My workouts especially now in the third trimester have been significantly modified for the sake of little man, somedays that realization is harder than others because I want to push myself more. I know I can push out a few more reps, but then I remember my body is working overtime and that any movement I put in will help both Liam and I, when its time to meet him.

I am forever grateful that I am able to carry this child, and cannot wait to meet him but that doesn't mean I’m not allowed to be sad about my changing body. It’s okay to have down days, and you will. I’ve noticed one of the most toxic moments is going to the doctor, for those monthly check-ups where they weigh you. I know that it is necessary to ensure that everything is healthy, however me standing up there and seeing “that number” makes me spiral. I instantly think, “My workouts must not be working, I didn’t drink enough water, or I shouldn’t have eaten that sweet last night.” Yes, I know I know that mindset is crazy I am growing a human, but I am also an individual. A WHOLE person who spent years working towards a strong physique which I will continue to work on even after baby arrives. If this is something you also struggle with, I’ve learned that you can ask your doctor to just not tell you the weight (unless something is wrong of course) and then you are none the wiser and let me tell you that goes a long way.

Body dysmorphia is horrible, and I swear I didn't realize how bad mine was until I was pregnant. I would see pictures of myself before pregnancy and think, “Wow she is so fit, or looks thin, she was pretty.” This mindset is something I still struggle with, but I think realizing that I feel this way was also a breakthrough. Now it is easier said than done, and I know it’s been said over and over again that you look great, you are growing a baby, don't worry about your weight. Those statements (although I'm sure no one means any malice) makes me wanna scream! If there was ever a time to really take care of my body and health, it is now.

I also wanted to share the breakdown of pregnancy weight gain, I know this really helped me when I realized all that was actually happening while my little man is growing.

• Baby: 6-8 lbs

• Extra Blood: 3-4 lbs

• Placenta, Amniotic fluid, and Uterus: 4-7 lbs

• Breasts: 1-2 lbs

• Extra Fat: 8-10 lbs

• Body Fluids: 3-4 abs

7 weeks Vs 7 months

My advice is, if you struggle with body dysmorphia while pregnant it’s okay, and it is normal. Do not do yourself more harm than good though, do not step on the scale to validate your feelings, buy a bigger size (comfort really does matter for baby), keep moving even if it’s walking, continue to eat healthy (you are that baby’s host so feed them nutritious foods), and give yourself some grace! Not everyone will “bounce back” once baby arrives and thats important to realize as well. I am a realist and like to keep that mindset, that your body must heal and during that time it’s so important to bond and get some extra loves from that newborn.

I just wanted to share with other moms to be, or current mom’s my moments of weakness, or opportunities for growth so that maybe they wouldn’t feel so alone or guilty for having those feelings. It’s still okay to think about yourself while becoming a mother (maybe this is how “mom guilt” begins) I’m still working on viewing my “Vessel” in a more positive way, and everyday is so different. My growing body can still allow me to feel pretty even in those days where I literally have to roll around on the couch to get up, and nothing fits me except for my husbands clothes!