Rough morning - need advice/opinions

I went this morning for my 1 hour glucose test. When I met with my OB, first thing he started to discuss with me was my weight gain. He said I am already at the max of what he wanted me to gain for the entire pregnancy. At 26 weeks, he said I've gained about 30-35 pounds . I had no clue it was that much. I haven't been checking my weight. I don't feel like I over-eat and I really did not think that it was that bad. I definitely have noticed that I'm swelling in my legs, ankles, feet and hands - but how can I control water retention?

I have been a wreck all morning. I was hysterical crying when the nurse was taking my blood and I drove home in such a blur from crying so much. My dr. said that between the rapid weight gain and a family history of diabetes, I have some risk factors for GD. AND, that if I continue this way, I could end up having a c-section bc when women gain too much weight, their uterus doesn't contract the right way and it can complicate labor.

He was listing all of the things I should not be eating and I felt like the majority of what he mentioned, I already don't eat. I mean, sure I indulge in treats now and then, but nothing over the top. I've tried to make healthy choices and I try to exercise whenever I can, which is so hard with my work schedule. I don't know what to do now. I felt so ashamed sitting there in that office. I already started packing up stuff out of my cabinets. I asked my OB if it's possible that maybe my weight will start to taper off and he said it depends. I asked him if the baby is going to end up being too big and he said that there really is no way of knowing that either.

Anyone have any experience or advice? I have already made the decision to be very disciplined for the remainder of myh pregnancy and DH is going to help and do it with me. But I'm so worried that the damage has already been done. I'm dreading the call with my glucose results.

Thanks for listening.

ETA - to top off the pity party - there was a different nurse than who I usually see since my appointments are usually in the evening. She could not seem to draw my blood. She ended up sticking me three times (and jiggling the needle while it was in) only to end up having to draw from my hand. I left there with bandages all over me.

Message edited 3/17/2011 11:21:24 AM.

Re: Rough morning - need advice/opinions

thats definitely a rough morning... i think a lot of drs put too much emphasis on weight gain...

Re: Rough morning - need advice/opinions

I am sorry.

Re: Rough morning - need advice/opinions

First, I'm sorry that you're dealing with this Everyone's body reacts differently to all these hormones and every pregnancy is different. If you feel like you are doing all the 'right' things then DO NOT beat yourself up over this.

Second, just hang tight until your test results come back. Hopefully you scored below the 130 on your screening test and you will be 'in the clear' for GD. Obviously it still makes sense to try and make whatever changes you can, especially since there's only a few months left! But I totally understand that is easier said than done (for the past few days I have been off bread and reducing carbs/sugars and no 'treats' and it's been rough!).

Third, you are a fellow IVFer, right? If it's anything like my experience, I gained quite a bit of weight from my 2 back-to-back cycles (I don't know for sure, but I think it was about 15-20 pounds by the time I went to my first OB appt. at 10 weeks) I was SO bloated for the first trimester it was insane.

I am just trying to make it a prirority right now to eat as well as I can and get out there for walks when I get home from work. Hopefully it will be easier now that the weather is getting nicer and the sun is actually out for a few minutes by the time I get home.

Hang in there!!!!!!

Message edited 3/17/2011 11:25:34 AM.

Re: Rough morning - need advice/opinions

I think your dr needs to learn a little beside manner. Everyone gains differently, and it sounds like you are retaining a lot of water, which again...you can't help. My friend gained 70 pounds with her son and her son and her were both perfectly healthy. She did not overeat or over indulge in things that were 'bad'. It's just the way her body carried. Please please, don't be so hard on yourself. You already are being the best mommy you can by doing the things you are doing after that appointment. You will be fine and your baby will be fine. Don't stress. Your dr needs a swift kick to the shins!

Re: Rough morning - need advice/opinions

Don't be hard on yourself.. I think your doctor should have been a little more understanding and not talked down to you. I do think drs put a lot of emphasis on weight gain.. don't worry. Hoping you pass your glucose test..

Re: Rough morning - need advice/opinions

I have never said the actual number i gained with my pregnancy with DD. When i got pregnant with DD they told me somewhere around 30-35 pounds was normal for a pregnancy. I gained 79! I have never told anyone how much i gained. My OB never said anything about just always said my weight gain was fine. I was completely planning for a vaginal delivery and so was my OB UNTIL i got hit with 3 4th degree hemmroids that would have de-railed my recovery from pushing through a vaginal delivery and he recommended a c-section, it was nothing to do with my weight, i lost 25 within the first week and another 25 within 4 week PP. I understand they are concerned but if you are anot eating crappily and are eating healthy, some women cannot control what they gain in pregnancy. Every pregnancy is different. At 16 weeks with this one, i am up 5 pounds totoal where as DD i was already up 17 pounds at 16 weeks. Try to not to get too uset, regardless how your pregnancy ends and baby is delivered you will still have a healthy bouncing baby that will be amazing and an amazing experience regardless. HTH!

Re: Rough morning - need advice/opinions

I agined 40 pounds by 26 weeks for my first. My Ob didn't mind. I gained 66 for my first and 56 for my second (but he was early, I probably would have made it to 60)

after my first, my OB thought maybe that I had GD that wasn't detected...but after #2, he just thinks that I have big babies and i just gain weight.


(I did have 2 c/s though)

Re: Rough morning - need advice/opinions

Im sorry that you had a bad appointment.

Please don't beat yourself up. I gained a lot of weight too. I don't think it was right of your doctors to make you worry. Mine are never concerned about the weight; they go by the way I look and say I'm doing great. I think some doctors put way too much emphasis on weight gain. Your body will gain what it needs to. Ive had a lot of water retention also (at least that's what I think it is). I have not over ate this pregnancy, have ate healthy and exercised regularly and yet I'm still over the recommended weight gain. I just think I gain a lot during pregnancy and you know what I stopped worrying about it. If it is water retention that will come off quick right after. And you can't help that and you have no control over it. Don't stress and don't let the doctors bring you down.

Re: Rough morning - need advice/opinions

I'm so sorry you had a rough morning. I think your doctor was really harsh with you when he didn't need to be. As many of the girls have said, everyone gains weight differently. And since you said you are swelling, it is very possible that you are carrying some extra water weight. I had a 4 lb difference from a Friday appt to a Monday appt because of swelling - and I didn't have a lot less swelling on the Monday, but it was enough to register on the scale! If possible, try to increase your water to reduce swelling (sounds so stupid, but it works sometimes!). And stop beating yourself up!! If you already aren't eating a ton of the stuff that the doctor was saying you shouldn't eat, then it is nothing you did wrong, it is just how your body reacts to pregnancy.

Re: Rough morning - need advice/opinions

You are all so reassuring. Thank you so much .

I am more or less concerned with the health and well-being of my baby. I don't want her to have a traumatic birth because of my poor weight managment. I know that sounds ridiculous but I think I've been overly sensitive lately and I'm just questioning everything I do and how it affects my little .

I guess the bright side is that now I am more motivated than ever to be self disciplined and hopefully that will make it easier once the baby arrives.

I'm also going to drink a lot more water. I thought I was doing well with that, but I guess it doesn't hurt to drink more. It is defnitely ironic though that the cure for water retention is to drink more water .

I go back in 3 weeks for a sono so I am hoping that when I go, the scale will not have tilted much more

Thanks again ladies!!!

Blustar - I actually did graduate from the IF board, but I had an IUI with clomid. Thank you though!!!

Re: Rough morning - need advice/opinions

I've never had a doctor to be such a stickler with weight gain. I passed my 1 hour with flying colors when I was pregnant with DS and by the time he was born I had gained nearly 60lbs.

I had pregnancy induced high blood pressure which resulted in very severe swelling/retention.

What helped me most with my swelling was staying away from salty food and laying down whenever possible with my feet/legs elevated above my heart. Left side if possible because it helps with circulation.

Don't stress it too much, I am sure you have nothing to worry about

Re: Rough morning - need advice/opinions

i feel i am probably just about 2 weeks shy of this same post! i got for my glucose test on the 31st and i know i gained a lot already! like you said i do snack occassionally, and im def eating more than before ( a lot of it has to do with the fact that i cant have anything with the artificial sweeteners, im use to diet soda, and light yogurt)
i do try and excersise sometimes too! but its hard when i work 2 jobs and dont have much down time to relax!

i told DH that i wanna start walking at night now that its nice out! i use to walk a lot during my lunch breaks but since this winter was brutal i pretty much stopped that. i think i may throw in a few nice walks a week at lunch as well as night time walks with DH.

sorry hun! i know it stinks! but im right there with you!