Today I’m going to talk about a topic that many stay away from: pregnancy weight gain. However; I only want to share my personal experience thus far because I believe in full honesty. I could sugar coat everything with this pregnancy, or choose to share with you all the moments I struggle sometimes. I choose the later.
First off, I want to say that I will take every added pound for this sweet baby boy. I realize how blessed I am to be able to carry this child and I am in no way taking that for granted.
Going into this pregnancy it was obvious weight gain was going to happen. In fact, at my very first appointment my Doctor estimated I would gain anywhere from 25-35 lbs since I started at a normal BMI. I knew all these things ahead of time and honestly it didn’t bother me.
Fast forward to about 18 weeks when the real weight gain kicked in. It really wasn’t the fact that my clothes didn’t fit, or that my arms and legs were starting to “fill out”, it was instead that I could feel my body really taking a beating with running with an extra 10ish pounds on it. It doesn’t sound like a lot but I could tell from my body how it was making it much harder.
I’ll be completely honest and say I have had several break downs over weight and running. My wonderful husband has been so understanding, and most of the time I couldn’t figure out why it was bothering me. Yes, I’ve had issues in the past regarding food restriction but I’ve worked past those and had come to terms with the weight gain.
I can blame part of it on hormones, those things can get frustrating! Part of it I’ll blame on just not realizing how quickly running would change for me and I’m sure deep down part of it was it being a little hard for me to accept.
I’ve started changing my focus away from the weight gain, because it’s not going anywhere and focusing instead on some other areas that will help me feel better about myself and my abilities. Here are a few things that have helped me.
DON’T Compare
Pregnancy weight gain is different for every person and every pregnancy. I am a part of many forums for pregnancy and for the most part they are very helpful as a first time Mom. However; I always skip the ones where everyone is comparing how much weight they’ve gained. Some have gained more, some haven’t gained any, and some have even lost weight. Everyone’s circumstances are different so I’ve found its best just to stay away from these completely and focus on you. If your Doctor is saying that you are in still in a healthy weight gain then that’s all that matters.
Eat Healthy but Eat Often
I find that my body needs to eat every 2-3 hours. I don’t eat a full meal for all of those times but add in lots of snacks in between meals. I try to keep them as healthy as possible, but I haven’t been one to turn down ice cream either yet! I think it’s important to find a balance in any area of life, and even with what you eat during pregnancy.
Put Your Focus on the Prize
During pregnancy I have turned my focus from a certain race, to keeping my body healthy not only for this baby boy but to be strong and ready for delivery. Even if I have to go out and run 10:30 miles then that is better than sitting and doing nothing in all areas. I keep my eyes focused on the beautiful reward at the end and to me that has always pushed me through the tougher times.
Give Yourself a Break
The few times I have gotten upset over weight gain, I’ve felt so guilty for even having those moments. The truth is, every woman is going to have a moment or two during their pregnancy and that’s okay. It doesn’t make you a bad person it just makes you human. Get upset, pick yourself back up, and move forward. Trying to keep the emotions in sometimes just makes things worse.
Add in Strength and Cross Training
Running has gotten increasingly more difficult at times, so if I am having hard days I will substitute running with cross training. I’ve also added in strength which not only will help me now and during delivery, but it will also help me after having the baby. I want a strong body that I know can handle what I am putting it through, so strength work has been a great focus for me.
I’ve had this discussion with many other women, runners, etc. who have been here before and it was nice to know that I was not the only one who has had moments of struggle. I guess I just wanted to type out some of my thoughts on this for you all because I think it is something that many women deal with during pregnancy. It’s not always easy and it’s okay to talk about! The important thing is to try to turn your focus on what is really important. Weight gain is going to happen, it’s normal, and it’s natural.
That’s so good that you connect with other ladies going through pregnancy. During my first pregnancy I definitely thought about the weight gain and focused on it. I wanted to gain just the right amount and no more. Ironically with my second I really didn’t think about it and my body gained the same amount. It totally is hard the first time because 10 pounds really does feel like a lot. What helped me was my doctor telling me it would take 30ish pounds gained just to give my baby everything he needed and I focused on that.
Love following your journey! Thanks for sharing this post!
I love your honesty. I haven’t had a child yet but I’m getting closer to being ready. It’s funny sometimes when I’m super bloated I look in the mirror and think, is this what I’ll look/feel like when I’m pregnant?! (Dork status). Like you said it’s important to focus on the end prize!
Love this post! 10 extra pounds is making a huge difference in running. I could never imagine running the same pace I was carrying two 5 pound weights. I feel it more in my legs then I ever have ? I keep telling myself (whether it’s true or not) that the extra weight will make my legs and butt stronger with every run. Therefore I will be an ever better runner after I have my baby! It kinda makes a lot of sense to me and it helps me stay positive!
I try to tell myself the same thing! Hang in there mama! We’ve got this! 🙂
Thank you for this post! – I’m 21 weeks now with my second and its another BOY too. Total honesty when the scale hit 9 pounds gained (probably going to be 10 tomorrow) I did have the NOOOOO moment. I am still well within the healthy weight gain range but after 3 years of running and staying the same weight I do find myself needing the reminder it is all for an amazing prize at the end.
During my first pregnancy I did not run even though I ran in college and would run here and there for an extra workout that was not biking or swimming- maybe averaging 20 miles a week. Gained I think 60 pounds during the first pregnancy. After breastfeeding and starting running again the weight was all off and gone within 3 months ;). I only started with half marathon training when my son turned 2. Then proceeded to do 4 halfs in 2 months 😉 and eventually broke the 2H wall. Watching my times go from sub 8 to now high 10s is hard but as you said well well worth it!!.
However since it is getting tough to even complete 4miles – let alone close to 11 (really seriously superwomen you rock!!) I think as soon as my town’s pool reopens I will put up the sneakers and put on my fins.
CONGRATS on your running and son!!! And please take it from me who did gain a ton during my first – it will come off – remember the kicks, baby rolls and baby hiccups cause you will forget all of the amazing things you feel right now! thanks again for the post and running blog!!!.
Congrats on your second boy!! That is so exciting. I really need to get in the pool I wish it was more convenient!! Pace is probably the biggest thing I’ve notice change and it definietly is really hard! I can tell my body slowly starting to need to cut back and I’m prepared to do that, but just trying to keep it going as long as I can!
The kicks are already being so amazing and I can’t wait to meet this little man! 🙂