Has Your Doctor Called You Fat While Pregnant?

You eat and eat and eat during pregnancy. You think it’s okay because your feeding for two, but apparently that’s not a real thing. I was eating, being pregnant and minding my business, then BOOM! One appointment, my doctor told me that I needed to watch my eating habits because I was gaining too much weight! All I heard was “You’re getting fat!” I was upset at first and eventually I realize food is my friend and it will be okay! Here is how I handled this madness.

According to (my doctor) women are supposed to gain 1-2 pounds per week in the first and second trimester of their pregnancy. During the last month you will gain the most as this is when the baby really grows. Apparently I was gaining more than I should during my second trimester.

It is madness to tell pregnant woman she is fat! Who says that!

I started to question myself.

“Was I possibly eating too much? How much weight would I be gaining during this pregnancy and would I be able to lose it all? Do I need to really start watching what I eat?” All these questions were running through my head as she continued to talk to me. But I couldn’t listen, I was now lost in my thoughts.

This particular doctor‘s appointment, my boyfriend Pop couldn’t make so I told him what happened, when I got home. He shook his head and told me don’t worry, that doctor doesn’t know what she’s talking about. He assured me all my weight was from the baby and that it would be impossible for me to be fat.

Now don’t get me wrong I was eating, okay! I fell in love with the Food Network Channel during my early stages of pregnancy. That channel sent me on a while goose chase for food. My mouth would literally water at some of the great meals they made on “Chopped” or “Iron Chef”. But I must admit “Chopped” was my favorite.

Looking at what “fat me” was eating

I started to look at what I was eating. My friends would make fun of me because they were convinced I was the healthiest pregnant woman. Outside of my cravings, I was on top of when I needed to eat and what I ate. Eating is so important when your pregnant, it has so many effects on your baby, your body and your soul.

My eating consisted of a lot of fruit. I am in love with fruit, so I spent a lot of time with kiwis, granny smith apples, mangos, and berries just to name a few. I ate fruit everyday. Before pregnancy I liked things like cransins, rice cakes and cheeses. I’ve never been a super healthy eater but I wanted to do right by my kid. I tried to eat as healthy as I could, while still allowing my cravings to run free.

I mainly craved bake macaroni, empanadas, and ice cream. But then the fast food life definitely got the best of me at times. I ate a lot of P.F. Chang’s, Friday’s and Chipotle. But I would honestly say that I had more healthy eating habits than unhealthy ones.

During this appointment, my doctor started to dig into my eating habits as well. She informed me of the amount of fish I should be eating a week, told me to stay away from cold cuts and cheeses. Now I love seafood and I basically had salmon my whole pregnancy. Now she was telling me I had to regulate my seafood eating. This was madness.

I was having boarshead maple turkey sandwiches for lunch. Then here comes this doctor telling me that I shouldn’t have cold cuts. I didn’t experience any issues. Although I expressed this to her, her surprised eyebrows appeared on her face as if she wanted to say to me “how could this be true?”. This conversation was not getting better as you can tell.

Then, I also told her I was eating creamy cheeses, muenster cheese to be specific. And I was eating it in my cold cut, turkey sandwiches at that. I was of course doing all the things this Doctor was telling me not to do. But I was feeling fine and all my blood test came back negative for everything. I always took my prenatal pills and my vitamins. This was good enough for me.

Support goes a long way.

Pop assured me that the doctor didn’t know what she was talking about and I wasn’t fat. He cuddled my self-esteem that night. He told me I was the healthiest pregnant lady he knew. You need to be supported throughout your pregnancy, especially times like this. After talking to Pop, I realized that the little comment my doctor made was being blown out of proportion (probably by my hormones). I had my baby’s best interest at heart and I didn’t need to worry.

For the Win

If you’re concerned if your eating habits are on point or if you may be getting fat, don’t!

Do:

Try to eat healthy and safe for yourself and your child. Mix and mingle your cravings with nutritious foods.
Ask your doctor, friends and family questions. But don’t get to caught up in what everyone says. They all have the best intentions for you but they don’t have the final word.
Keep an eye on your weight. Consider factors that are important such as your weight at the beginning of pregnancy and how much weight you gain over the course of your pregnancy. There is a healthy amount of weight to be gain.
Always take your prenatal pills and any other supplement vitamins. This is so important for your body and your baby. (Bonus: your nails and hair will grow because of the pills.)
Enjoy small moments of cravings
Follow what feels right!

But I also believe everyone’s pregnancy is different and some things may work for you but not everyone. And you have to do whats best for you and your baby. Gaining weight while pregnant is normal. You’re literally growing a whole child inside of you, so don’t let anyone tell you you’re not suppose to gain some weight.

You’re not getting fat you’re gaining love! Share on X

Have you ever been told you’re gaining too much weight while pregnant? I would love to hear other stories around weight gain during pregnancy.