Pregnancy Weight Gain

I'm currently 24 weeks pregnant (hooray!) and am pretty focused on my weight at the moment after I stepped on the scales a few nights ago and did a complete double take. I weigh HOW MUCH?!

It's silly to focus too much on weight when you're pregnant, but it's also REALLY silly not to worry at all. I know from experience that the weight does NOT just "fall off", and I know to expect breastfeeding issues so I can't necessarily count on that as an aid to weight loss. I'm also locked in to be a bridesmaid seven weeks after my due date - eek!

16 weeks to go...

I searched madly for the yellow card that recorded all my vital stats during my pregnancy with H, and discovered that I am only about 2kg's heavier than I was with her at around this time, and I was about 2kg's heavier when I fell pregnant this time, so I'm actually tracking about the same. Not to say that's a great thing - I put on 17kg with her, which interestingly is the same amount my Mum put on with all three of her babies.

According to most sources I can find, weight gain in pregnancy actually is genetic, so it is worthwhile getting in touch with your Mum if you're worried about your weight gain (or lack of it) at all. I have a fairly insatiable appetite at the best of times so it was never any question that pregnancy would be a fat time for me. Others are blessed with those all-arms-and-legs bodies (my Mum calls them "eggs on legs") that pretty much just grow a neat basketball when pregnant. I carry in my face, back, thighs and arms, which is really awesome.

Thankfully, I am blessed with glowing skin and shiny hair. That's the trade off. And for those interested, it does come off eventually - I was back to my pre-baby weight when H was nine months, and that was with a high consumption of alcohol and cake and a low dose of exercise. This time I'm hoping for seven weeks - that's realistic right? I can starve myself and try for a Woman's Day cover. 

N.B. - If you are genuinely concerned about your weight gain, be it significant or miniscule, there is a great weight gain calculator over at Kidspot. It allows you to enter your weight at time of conception and then tracks a healthy weight gain. I'm currently sitting right on my maximum! Time to cut out the Rum&Raisin chocolate.

Z x