Pregnancy - Low weight gain

I am currently in the 23rd week (6th month) of my third pregnancy (first ended in a miscarriage at 8 weeks; now have a 15-month-old who was delivered by emergency c-section at 38 weeks). I started out this pregnancy at 48 kg with a healthy Body Mass Index; am short (5') and petite. I had little/no morning sickness. I have been eating as I always have been except that I give in my craving for (1) a cup of tea (never liked tea/coffee before this pregnancy) almost every day and (2) chicken wings at McDonalds/KFC may be once a week.


My problem is that of low weight gain. I seem to have gained little/no weight during the past two weeks and my cumulative weight gain is only 3.5 kg (7.7 lb) as against the 7.2 kg I had gained at this point in time during my earlier pregnancy. I have looked up a couple of pregnancy websites and have found that this weight gain is way too less at this stage of pregnancy. At my 20-week detailed fetal-anomaly scan, I was told that the baby is measuring fine for his age and that everything seemed to be perfectly okay. I can feel the baby moving - but what could be causing this low weight gain? Could there be a growth spurt in the coming months? Lately, I have been reading the threads on this forum and I think there are some well-informed and experienced people who post here. Perhaps, someone out there could throw some light on the problem that I am currently facing.

Hi, I cannot solve the mystery of your low weight gain but I had a baby 11 days ago and put on 4 kgs total and she weighed 3.055 kg at birth. At no time was there any cause for concern and in fact the nurses used to say how lucky I was!! As long as everything is showing ok dont worry and revel in the fact that you wont have so much to lose after!!

I'm 26 weeks, and so far have only gained about 3 kgs. But the bubba is doing fine, and I know the gain is all in my stomach, not that much in the boobs even, just gone from a 34B to a 38B, but thats because my ribcage's expanded like crazy cause the bubba is right up to my diaphram!!!


As suze says, as long as all is OK, I'm wouldnt worry. I know another mom who put on 15 pounds during her entire pregnancy (and she was skinny to start with), and she has a strapping baby girl, nearly 8 pounds and very strong!


I'm eating well, have loads of energy still and havent been sick (although I seem to have caught a cold and cough from someone who was in my class coughing her head off last week - I guess there's a limit to how much your body can take!)

Hi Addis -


Two pregnancies - both with very low weight gains (about 8 KGs first pregnancy and 2nd was about 7 Kg).


1st pregnancy every thing was normal - even suffered a two month bizarre diarrhea situation - where all my food simply seemed to just pass right through me. I had a healthy 3.19 KG baby girl.


However- 2nd pregnancy - I was diagnosed with low amniotic fluid as well as interuterine Growth Retardation of the fetus. (Fetus was not growing at recommended weight.) I simply could NOT put on the weight in the last 8 weeks of my pregnancy - I tried to, but nothing seemed to work. I had to have an emergency c-section 2 weeks before my due date.


Double check with your doc - I was normal at my 20 week detailed ultrasound, but it was after that that caused some problems. This is not to say that your low weight gain is an indicator of this - but just double check.

Dear Lynne


Generally it is important to take at least 1800kcal with high intake of calcium, iron, vitamin B complex for baby's growth. Alcohol and smoking can cause low weight gain or even miscarriage. Sometimes the pregnant woman may not really gain weight as recommended. But it's still OK if doctor said the weight gain of the embryo is satisfactory.




Approximate Weight Gain (in pounds)



Baby 7½

Placenta 1½

Amniotic fluid 2

Mother:

Breasts 2

Uterus 2

Body fluids 4

...Blood 4

Maternal stores of fat, protein,

and other nutrients 7



TOTAL 30 lbs.




Source: Planning Your Pregnancy and Birth, Third Edition, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)


Ideally, it's better for a pregnant woman to see a dietitian to ensure the nutrient intake is OK.


Dietician - 2849 0721

Matilda International Hospital

Hong Kong

http://www.matilda.org

Hi, nice to see all those responses here. Whatever little I have gained in terms of weight is all in the belly (as was the case during my 1st pregnancy). So, I do look 'very' pregnant and further along than I actually am. But when I get on the scales, they tell a very different story and that is what is bothering me. However, it looks like a few of you also are/were in a similar position. So, I do find some comfort in that. And, UP, I guess I got used to the 'oh-you-look-so-huge' comments during my first pregnancy itself. lol!


firsttimemom, down with a bout of flu - ask me, I should know. I had four in as many months.

Mrs Miggins, thanx for the response. I have not seen the documentary but I agree that that is not the kind of stuff one should be eating at all. Funny thing is, I never really liked it before this pregnancy. Anyway, am trying to cut it out altogether. Thanks, once again.

I agree with the posts above, am only 15 wks along but after losing 5 lbs during the first few weeks of pregnancey I have only gained back 2 lbs. At the moment I am in a 3lb defecit of my pre-pregnancy weight.


I am eating well and eating a lot however, I still excercise around 3-4 times a week and am still keeping up my cardio although have reduced to 20 mins at a time.


The simple fact is that we all progress at different levels during pregnancy and although you haven't gained much in weight, the doctor does not seem alarmed by it.


Just go with your cravings and enjoy your pregnancy!