Whenever I see the outcome of somebody being reminded of the beautiful things in life through my posts—though they’re not exactly what I would classify as life-altering, yet a blessing nonetheless—I am reminded of why I love to share my thoughts on this blog. I have you guys to thank for that and as God would put it in His own words, it’s all about that one soul that’s craving to be blessed! So I hope you experience that whenever you’re here. 
I’m kind of hoping that you’re not sick of reading about pregnancy this and pregnancy that, because I’m sure you already get your fair share of pregnancy posts in your Google Reader from so many of us being expectant moms right now, hehe. MOMMY POWER, UNITE! Okay sorry for that cheesiness…
What I’m about to talk about today is something that’s meant to clear up the confusion in my head, while hopefully helping another woman out there with her own pregnancy concerns.
While I’m not exactly plagued with worry about pregnancy weight gain like I thought I would be (thank goodness), I do have a load of questions that are waiting to be answered. Perhaps what I’m looking for is simple reassurance from experienced moms, or even those who have witnessed the whole journey of pregnancy weight gain of others who were trying to stay as healthy and as fit as possible through it all. I am fully aware that a reasonable amount of weight gain is a must in order to have a healthy child, and sometimes it is inevitable for the vast majority of us. It’s the way our bodies are made. It will probably happen to 90% of us! However, I have to confess that so far I’ve “gained” approximately 20 lbs. as of 3 weeks ago, according to my doctor! The healthy number that is recommended for most women ranges somewhere in between 25-35 lbs.
Uhhhh I don’t know if anyone else sees a discrepancy here. But I’m just about 3 months away from giving birth and I’ve already plowed through the low 20’s so far and I am only 5’1”. Perhaps my weight will balance itself out in the coming months, and I truly hope that that is the case for the sake of Selah. And well, it definitely doesn’t hurt a momma’s ego when she’s able to stay fit and healthy throughout her pregnancy. 
My question is, however, is this weight coming from actual fat or muscle gain?! To be quite honest I’m kind of stomped on that one.
As you already know, I’ve been active for a long time pre-pregnancy as well as throughout the whole journey. Even up to this day, I’m still enjoying breaking out in buckets of sweat and working on strengthening my muscles through light weights and ballet inspired routines. My theory is that the extra pounds are coming from the baby and I have to take into account that there are elements being formed within my stomach, and any workout that I do will be like holding 10 lb. dumbbells on each hand (10+10=20 lbs) Therefore, all the plies and releves that I’ve been performing are most likely done with “heavy weights” in theory, if that makes any sense.
The reason why I’m sharing this with you is that I’m a teeny bit nervous about going in to see my ob-gyn today. Even though she can see that aside from my belly growing I obviously don’t look like I’ve gained much weight myself (or at least I don’t think so), she seems to be seeing it through the “BMI SCALE LENSES.” Now, I love my doctor and I’m somewhat comforted by the fact that she last told me not to worry about it, since she will be measuring me weekly and everything else about me is perfectly healthy. But then again, she did tell me that I need to slow down a bit or be more careful so I don’t end up gaining too much weight! Now I’m a bit confused as to what all of this means: is it fat, or is it muscle?
I feel like it’s not fat because I look the same as pre-pregnancy for the most part, and I do think it might be water bloat and some extra muscle…but my mind keeps telling me that it’s actually unhealthy fat and I need to get rid of it for the sake of a healthy baby and delivery, and I keep doubting myself that I’m at a healthy weight range. I certainly don’t want that “mommy guilt” to take over me because that wouldn’t be good for Selah, but I’m pretty confused as to what I should go by. Is the doctor right? Or should I go by my own instincts? Will my doctor tell me to lose some weight? I certainly hope not! Or, will she really take everything into consideration and give me the OK to continue with what I’ve been doing?
I hope this isn’t coming off as whining or complaining to you guys, but I am genuinely curious to read your thoughts on this matter. Although I already seem to know the answer the truth is that I don’t know. Is this just like the dreaded case of BMI LENSES where the doctor tells you that you’re overweight simply because of 2 numbers that you input into the calculator? Or is this something I should be wary of and actually take into consideration? I know these seem like minute problems to some of you, and it can be! But it doesn’t hurt to provoke some insight so that we can all come to a healthy resolution on this. Any feedback is much appreciated.
Awesome Combo
Before I check out for the day, I wanted to share the wonderful sweet and salty combination I had this morning!
You see that English muffin with the bite mark? That would be a toasted multigrain English muffin with melted Gouda cheese, fruit preserves, and walnuts on top! The creaminess of the Gouda and the tangy sweetness from the preserves makes this simple breakfast a heavenly, gooey combo. 
Do give it a try!
Greg and I are going to our doctor’s visit today and then we have a date planned at Color Me Mine to finish up a project that we started for his mom. Afterward, we might take a walk at the park if the sun doesn’t disappear on us, along with some maternity clothes shopping that he’s been badgering me about, hah! I have a gift card to use up and I’m pretty excited!
I hope you have a great day and make someone smile, because we’re all fighting a battle.
Any thoughts on pregnancy weight gain?
Love,
Ellie <33
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
I am so excited for your upcoming little one! Color Me Mine is sooo much fun! Are you going to the Pasadena one?
ahhh we ended up not being able to make it! It was going to be in Brea.
my dear, don’t stress out about the weight gain specially when you are not eating unhealthy and you are still working out. what I learned through my experience and my close friends recently is that genetics play a big role, some people (me) gain very little, others gain more even when they limit their food intake even more than before pregnancy, and we both gave birth to a healthy baby. what’s more curious is that even though she gained much more than I did, by restricting her food intake in the last two months because she didn’t want to gain more, she gave birth to a very small baby (2,8 kg) which retrospectively was not a good idea to restrict food that way.
it doesn’t matter really what is the composition of that 20 lbs you gained so far, it’s part baby, part extra blood and tissue your body is preparing for the birth and breastfeeding. I would ignore the doctor advice if she recommends you to restrict because everyone is different and we gain different amount at different time, as long as you know you are doing the right things, don’t doubt yourself.
Hmmm didn’t even think about genetics in this situation! Thank you so much for the advice, Coco! It’s pretty comforting to know that as LONG AS I’M DOING WHAT I’M SUPPOSED TO DO, there’s nothing to be concerned about. I guess it’s always so much easier to be influenced by what doctors say even though common sense tells us otherwise.
First, your breakfast looks aaaaamazing! Second, don’t worry about gaining weight while being pregnant! Most people put on weight! Plus, most weight gain is water weight (at least that’s what my mom says)!
I def. know that pregnancy causes weight gain for most, but I felt so confused and misunderstood in a way b/c I didn’t know if it was healthy weight or unhealthy weight. I talked to the doc yesterday and it seems that things have balanced out. And she now understands where I’m coming from, yay!
I agree that there’s lots of water/blood involved.
Weight gain is normal during pregnancy. Don’t worry about it. Anyway, each pregnancy is different. Don’t always compare yourself to the “norm” the doctors have. It’s just a standardized thing for doctors to use.
As for your breakfast, it looks delish!
Yes, one thing I’ve learned through this is that the norm isn’t what doctors say–the norm is what is best and suitable for OUR bodies.
Girl, don’t worry! I went through the same thing. I’m hitting 20 weeks tomorrow and I’ve already managed to gain 15 pounds. I was freaking out at first because all these pregnancy forum ladies were mostly saying that they gained 5-6 pounds by their 15th week or that they’ve lost weight! I was like, “How?! I’m gaining AT LEAST a pound every week!!!” But after duking it out in my head, I soon grew to accept that each woman’s bodily needs is different.
I know that if I wasn’t pregnant, I would never be able to gain weight this quickly. I just accepted my changing body for what it is and try not to let the weight gain bother me too much. These days, I’m marveling at how amazing my body is. I’m thrilled with each punch/kick and happy just to see my burgeoning belly.
Thanks for the encouragement, Lisa! It is rather amazing that our bodies are creating all these miracles, indeed! I never thought I’d find it this cool/exciting.
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