How does gaining weight work?

Question

Pardon my strange question but FTM here and my adoptive mom was never pregnant so I can't ask her...how does weight gain occur during pregnancy? Will my appetite eventually increase so I will want to eat more? Or should I start force feeding myself? I'm almost 14w and am still down 6lbs from pre pregnancy weight. I really have no idea how I'm supposed to pack on the 25-30lbs that the doctor wants me to put on. I've been pushing myself to take in 2400-2900 cals/day but it's work 😕 I walk daily, swim for relaxation and we hike once a week = trying to stay semi-active but it's nothing strenuous. If possible, I'll like the weight gain to be gradual as I think that's healthier?

Sorry if my question seems silly but I don't know how this works and my only concern is that my growing baby gets the nutrients and calories that he needs. Thx!

UPDATE: Thank you so much for your comments & input! Am 17w and still losing weight (maybe this baby is really a giant human shaped tapeworm). Saw OB this week and since I've lost another 5lbs since my last appointment, he wants to see me in 2 weeks time. FTM and we've endured 3MCs in a row so I will do whatever it takes for baby to be healthy. Guess I should start looking up the Sumo Diet 😂...

Answer

A lot of weight will come on later. Please don't force feed yourself! lol

Answer

Oh my god you only need to eat extra calories in the last trimester and even then you only need approx 200-300 calories a day

Answer

Don't worry about force feeding yourself. Eat when you're hungry, try to get lots of nutrients and some protein. Keep in mind that they say you really only need an extra 300 cals which isn't that much really.

I expect that once we get further along our appetite will naturally increase.

Answer

Had my first baby 7 years ago at age 18. I weighed 115 pounds/ 5 feet 2 inches pre pregnancy and at my last doctor appointment 2 weeks before my water broke I weighed 128. I didn't have health insurance so barely went to the doctor until near the end of my pregnancy and didn't know anything about how much weight I should gain and my baby came our perfect, 7 pounds 8 ounces. Now I'm 26 and on my second pregnancy and at 19 weeks I've only gained 1 pound. The baby doesn't even weigh a pound yet. I figure the weight will come when it's supposed to.

Answer

I've never heard of the doctors trying to force you to gain a specific amount unless you've lost loads and loads of weight. System might differ but certainly not heard that before here in the UK.

Answer

Some women gain almost nothing throughout pregnancy.  Others gain a LOT.  My personal rule of thumb is that I am eating healthy (enough meat or protein and lots of green veggies), and regularly exercising.

(Hugs). You got this.

Answer

Just eat well/healthy and don't worry too much. Like many people said most weight is put on in the last trimester just because baby gets so much bigger. Don't stuff yourself (you'll just feel uncomfortable) but I would say eat whenever you're hungry

Answer

I'm worried about this as well. 16w and I'm still under my pre pregnancy weight :( all of my apps say I should've gained about five pounds by now

Answer

Not all women gain weigh. I've lost 20 pounds since I found out. My of the women in my family didn't gain weight during pregnancy. It is very different for each woman and different for each pregnancy. As long as you are eating healthy and your dr isn't worried then you shouldn't worry either. If even the slightest thing is going wrong your dr will tell you. Trust them but also trust what your gut tells you as well. Hope everything works out for you and you have a healthy baby!!!!

Answer

Don't worry. I have lost 12lb. You don't need much more than normal at this point so 1800-2000 should be fine. I have next to no appetite but that is supposed to pick up. As you get into the second half you will only need a couple hundred more caps a day. The weight gain is an average but some women gain 60lb and some gain nothing/ very little. As long as you are not going hungry and the baby's growth is good don't worry!

How does gaining weight work?

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