Panicky About Being Overweight

Okay so i'm definitely a worrier and an over-thinker ... but i'm worried that i'm starting this pregnancy overweight and it's going to be a rough ride

Does anyone have any soothing words?

I'm not advocating trying to lose weight when you are pregnant, but just because you are pregnant doesn't mean that you can't eat healthy, and exercise. Both times I have been pregnant I ate the healthiest I had ever done. i actually lost weight but wouldn't recommend that. I have found it quite easy to bounce back to my pre-pregnancy weight I think because I was so careful.

I'm overweight(feel free to pm me if you want zebra) and have had only a few problems like a sore back recently and slightly increased BP...but that isnt related to my weight..i started eating healthy since I have been pregnant and I have been one of those people who got weighed by their LMC (most dont) and have only out on 2kg so far and she is fine with it..

and now feel like i want to lose weight when i have him..which is an added bonus as i want to lose weight when he's born and I wasn't really worried about it before! what makes you think it will be a rough ride?

I would ask a PT at your gym about a new plan for you now you are pregnant, most should be able to help you out.

i was overweight during my first pregnancy.. and i continued to eat the same as before and managed to gain even more weight. i really wished i had of eaten more sensibly but i was only 19 years old, and had pretty much no idea..... I think the others have given you some really great advice, just eat healthily and try and get a bit of exercise if you can.

I did managed to lose 30 kgs after she was born and have managed to keep it off (up until now of course!)

Edited by kaiz231

These forums really are so wonderful. It means so much to be able to exchange support and advice

I honestly feel so much happier now

If you would like any advice on exercise I'm a personal trainer and can give you some help if you like

Ohbaby is so great! It seems to me that not a lot "happens" in the first trimester (in terms of visiting health professionals etc.) and it's wonderful to have people to talk to about all those little internal thoughts

Would love some advice josephnia. I was planning to keep going to the gym as long as possible and focus on the treadmills and crosstrainers. I used to love pump classes too. Do you think these are safe? And yoga I guess until my belly starts to grow!

Ok, part 2...

Xtrainers and treadmills are great - hopefully your gym has lots of fans or air conditioning that will help keep you cool especially as we head into summer. You can monitor your intensity by your heart rate, or go by how you feel e.g when I do my cardio I make sure I can still breathe totally through my nose if I try and can carry out a conversation. Don't go so hard out that you're gasping or can't talk! Pump should also be fine - try lowering your weights a bit and make sure you take breaks if you need them (esp the squat, lunge and shoulder tracks as they will get your heart rate up a lot higher) Pump may not be suitable in the second and third trimester though - PM me if you want more info on this.

Yoga should also be fine although like I said be careful not to overstretch and there may be some poses that aren't appropriate (headstands, camel pose etc). You may find that in a few weeks lying on your tummy is uncomfortable so some poses may need to be adapted. Whatever group class you do make sure you tell your instructor beforehand so they can give you alternatives. I have been doing step classes and have modified them by lowering the step, keeping it low impact with no jumps and by keeping my arms no higher than chest height. If you have access to a pool aquarobics and swimming are great as well.

There are different things to consider as you get into your second trimester (centre of gravity, balance etc) but I'll leave it here so it's not too much info all at once!

Hope this helps to give you an overview but make sure you either consult your doctor or LMC and an instructor or PT at your gym as well The biggest thing is just to listen to your body, it will tell you if you're doing too much! If you have any questions I'm more than happy to try answer them for you All the best for a healthy, active 8 months!

Jo

Hi Zebra, I am also overweight,well obese actually, and I haven't experienced many problems during this pregnancy at all.

Try not to panic about it, just eat sensibly and continue with your exercise as long as you feel comfortable doing it. Pre-pregnancy I walked about 1 hour a day and did aqua-aerobics 3 times a week. I continued doing this until about 20 weeks when I stopped aqua -aerobics as I was just getting too tired and finding it a bit uncomfortable. I still try to walk as much as possible now, maybe not an hour a day but 30 minutes a day or so.

And all advice I have heard says not to go on a diet either, just eat sensibly, going on a diet during prenancy can be dangerous for the baby. I would only diet under medical advice during pregnancy.

all the best for your pregnancy, try an enjoy this special time for you and bubs.