https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 20 Apr 2026 10:36:55 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tips-on-weight-gain#post-2863452 Mon, 24 Dec 2018 09:29:28 +0000 jennlin821 2863452@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So first things first, you cannot change everything about the way you eat. So think about what/why/when. </p> <p>I am a snacker - I'd rather have 10 snacks a day than 3 meals. But if my snacks consist of 10 bowls of doritos I'd be in real trouble!! So I work around that with healthier versions. Something salty, grab four pickles. Want dip? Make ranch with greek yogurt and eat with zucchini and carrot sticks. Something sweet? frozen banana icecream or a greek yogurt with frozen berries and whipped cream. </p> <p>As for exercise, I had a personal trainer for my whole pregnancy. If this is a luxury you can afford I HIGHLY recommend it. There was no way I was going to exercise on my own. I had a weekly appointment during my lunch hour so I basically had no reason not to go. No matter how tired I was, I always felt better after. And it made pushing very easy!!</p> <p>The other thing with exercise is find out what you like, what makes you excited. I love to read, but reading and exercising are not very combinable - so I listen to audio books. I go out for a walk or on the treadmill and listen to my favorite book - the time flies by!</p> <p>Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tips-on-weight-gain#post-2863442 Mon, 24 Dec 2018 08:36:39 +0000 Kaohinani 2863442@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@cyoung: No problem. I'm glad it was helpful. 🙂 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tips-on-weight-gain#post-2863440 Mon, 24 Dec 2018 08:13:19 +0000 cyoung 2863440@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Kaohinani: thank you so much!! This helps a lot. This helps a lot!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tips-on-weight-gain#post-2863363 Sun, 23 Dec 2018 07:56:09 +0000 Kaohinani 2863363@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@cyoung: Besides being a p/t EN professor, I am a NASM-certified personal trainer (* degrees in Exercise Science and Biomechanics). While I am not a nutritionist, I may be able to offer a bit of advice. :heart:<br /> In your first trimester, your baby only needs 100 calories more (per day) than your usual caloric intake; however, if you are already overweight from over-eating, you probably do not need to add that 100 calories on. One hundred calories can equate to an extra large hard boiled egg, a large glass of milk, a serving of PB (or almond butter) on a few carrots, many types of yogurt cups, one sandwich thin (no toppings), etc.<br /> In the 2nd and 3rd trimesters, the caloric need to sustain a pregnancy is greater at 300-500 extra calories per day; however, you would need to figure out your pre-pregnancy caloric needs (* most women need between 1200-2000 calories per day) and then add 100 or 300 calories accordingly. Since you have been overeating, I would visit a nutritionist first to figure out your base nutritional needs and how you may best achieve a slow gain during pregnancy.<br /> Another goal should be to tackle the snacking before it is out of control. Start a food diary or use an app to track your meals (and calories/nutients) to make certain you and baby are eating "healthy." My advice is to ask yourself why you are hungry when you want to eat ... wait 10 minutes and then see if you are still hungry for it. Drink lots of water. Thirst can mask itself as hunger... broth soups are great! You can have a soup, feel "full" and eat half the calories you would from a carbohydrate rich diet. Make certain soups are rich in vegetables for your growing baby. 😉 Also, figure out your cravings and make healthier substitutions ... Sometimes, a salty craving can be fixed with a pickle over chips, a sweet craving can be fixed with a yogurt (or gum!) rather than cookies or ring-dings, a savory craving could be a few craft "boutique" cheese slices with olives or tomato versus pepperoni ... Do not deprive yourself of healthy choices while pregnant, just limit the junk. Everything in moderation.<br /> Now here is my favorite part, exercise. In early pregnancy, there are very few limitations on exercise. Physician's ask you don't ride bikes and horses (or jump out of planes) for various commonsense reasons, but honestly, I paddleboarded until I was 5 mos pregnant with very little issue. Do things you ENJOY. Some examples of pregnancy approved exercise: Pregnancy yoga for flexibility, lift light weights to maintain strength (and burn the extra visceral fat that is not aiding in the support of your pregnancy), swimming is amazing, Zumba is fun while pregnant (* the baby will react in the later months), walk or hike ... simply, just move and keep your activities varied so YOU don't get bored. Also, in your later months, both the prone and supine positions will cause you discomfort and should be discontinued as prone places your body weight on both your organs and the baby while supine puts pressure from the growing fetus on the vena cava leading to a reduced return of blood flow to the heart which is bad news for you both.<br /> Best of luck and if you have any further questions, do not hesitate to write. 👍😁 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tips-on-weight-gain#post-2863298 Sat, 22 Dec 2018 13:52:16 +0000 Littlebit7 2863298@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I failed my 1 hour glucose test and put myself on a GD diet to prepare if I failed the three. I passed, however it was a good exercise in self control. It really helped me keep my eating in check too<br /> Maybe check that out? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tips-on-weight-gain#post-2863290 Sat, 22 Dec 2018 10:35:43 +0000 MrsKRB 2863290@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think my best tip is to just eat mindfully. Aka, really think about what you are doing, how your food tastes, how you feel. Sure, those cookies look delicious but you’re not that hungry and they’re not going to give you as much pleasure as if you were hungrier and really wanted them. Does that make sense? Try and balance all of your meals with protein/fat/carbs/fiber to prevent blood sugar spikes and it will make you less apt to reach for something less nutritious. </p> <p>As for working out, I can’t help you out 😂 I stopped after my first trimester, but I try and stay on my feet a lot during the day. I’m a dietitian so I could talk food all day 😃 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tips-on-weight-gain#post-2863284 Sat, 22 Dec 2018 09:04:20 +0000 cyoung 2863284@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ladies. I'm already a bit fluffy as it is and I'm pregnant with baby number 3. Throw your tips on how to avoid overeating (I love food and I tend to eat out of bordem and for comfort.) Also tips on working out and staying motivated as well would be great. What worked for you ladies? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/7-month-old-weight-gain#post-2677971 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 12:11:55 +0000 gotkimchi 2677971@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@meadow: just wanted to let you know we had our appt today. Lo was 26.5 in and 14lb 10.5oz. So he gained 1 inch and 11oz. Our ped isn't concerned but said if we were the next thing she would do is blood work to check celiac antibodies and thyroid. So for now we are just going to wait and see how his 9mo appt is </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/7-month-old-weight-gain#post-2676891 Mon, 09 Jan 2017 19:45:23 +0000 MrsSRS 2676891@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@meadow: also, hate to tell you, but applesauce is constipating because of the pectin in whole apples. So apple juice has laxative qualities, but apples and applesauce do not. Try pears, apricots, prunes, peaches. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/7-month-old-weight-gain#post-2676816 Mon, 09 Jan 2017 17:10:52 +0000 MrsSRS 2676816@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>FWIW at that age my kids liked avocado and coconut oil added to everything </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/7-month-old-weight-gain#post-2676805 Mon, 09 Jan 2017 16:55:26 +0000 meadow 2676805@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Pollywog: 👍👍 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/7-month-old-weight-gain#post-2676246 Mon, 09 Jan 2017 07:45:56 +0000 Pollywog 2676246@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@meadow: I just mix it directly. I buy the grown up applesauce because it is much cheaper than the baby jars and I mix in a tablespoon or two. We've had no problems with constipation. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/7-month-old-weight-gain#post-2676233 Mon, 09 Jan 2017 05:33:47 +0000 meadow 2676233@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@gotkimchi: @Purpledaisy: he was 26.5 inches and 14lb 10 oz </p> <p>6mo well visit 26 inches and 14lb 6oz. These appointments were almost exactly 1 month apart.</p> <p>Currently weight is the 2nd percentile.</p> <p>@gotkimchi: good luck on Wednesday!!!</p> <p>@Pollywog: did you mix the cereal right in or still use formula/ bm? I'm going to test it out tonight after work then let daycare do the spoon feeding during the day. I'm hoping the applesauce will cut the constipation effects of the cereal! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/7-month-old-weight-gain#post-2676121 Sun, 08 Jan 2017 20:09:42 +0000 Purpledaisy 2676121@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@meadow: I'm glad the appt went ok! From what I have heard, babies find their growth curve more around 6 months. </p> <p>My DD was in the 50th percentile at birth and went down slowly until around 6-9 months and has stayed around the 5-10 percentile since. </p> <p>What were his weight/height stats at his appt? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/7-month-old-weight-gain#post-2676110 Sun, 08 Jan 2017 19:58:23 +0000 FaithFertility 2676110@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@meadow: glad you had an ok appointment </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/7-month-old-weight-gain#post-2676102 Sun, 08 Jan 2017 19:44:35 +0000 Pollywog 2676102@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@meadow: I had the same thing happen with my now 11 month old (who's huge, but plateaued in weight gain). I was told to try apple sauce and rice cereal in the morning or overnight oats with pears and then making chicken stock for purees. LO was a BLW failure (he choked, a lot), but the big take always I got from my ped was that purees plus finger foods were a great compromise and rice/oats a good way to get calories in. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/7-month-old-weight-gain#post-2676092 Sun, 08 Jan 2017 18:54:43 +0000 gotkimchi 2676092@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@meadow: what was his weight? We have our check Wednesday. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/7-month-old-weight-gain#post-2676073 Sun, 08 Jan 2017 18:09:24 +0000 meadow 2676073@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thank you again everyone -- you all helped calm me down last week. Just to give closure....we had our weight check Friday and DS is not doing terrible but the dr wasn't happy with the slope of his weight gain when graphed. He isn't following the same trajectory as pre 4 months old.</p> <p>No drastic measures....incorporate vegetable oil in his food when possible (would be butter if he wasn't MSPI).....add cereal into diet (had been doing BLW)....and come back in a month. If no improvement.....then off to a gastroenterologist.</p> <p>Just wanted to share in case anyone else finds this thread who is in a similar situation :happy: . </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/7-month-old-weight-gain#post-2672598 Sun, 01 Jan 2017 05:53:57 +0000 meadow 2672598@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This is all making me feel so much better and calm about our appointment this week! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/7-month-old-weight-gain#post-2672540 Sat, 31 Dec 2016 20:20:57 +0000 Kemma 2672540@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've always been under the impression that babies should roughly double their birth weight by six months and your wee guy has tripled so he's had great weight gain!</p> <p>@Mrs. Goose: my wee guy was a similar weight at birth due to my GD but by the time he hit twelve months he'd dropped to the 50th % and at 20 months he's barely 11kg (roughly 25 pounds, I think?). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/7-month-old-weight-gain#post-2672520 Sat, 31 Dec 2016 19:28:08 +0000 pachamama 2672520@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I feel like maybe your little guy is just little? You mentioned you were small as a baby.... Some babies are just small! And the fact he's EBF is good, babies are very good about eating the right amount for themselves :-) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/7-month-old-weight-gain#post-2672519 Sat, 31 Dec 2016 19:25:55 +0000 erinbaderin 2672519@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This sounds totally fine to me. Checking my records B was 7lb12oz at birth, 13lb12oz at 6 months, 15lb12oz at 9 months, 17lb at a year. He's never been above the 4th percentile. W is the same, 7lb6oz at birth, 14lb6oz at 6 months, and 16lb1oz at 9 months. They were both EBF until 6 months. Some kids are just skinny, somebody has got to be at the bottom of the curve! As long as he didn't drop from 50 to 4 I wouldn't worry about it. If he's happy and hitting his milestones I think that's more important. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/7-month-old-weight-gain#post-2672497 Sat, 31 Dec 2016 16:56:36 +0000 Colee 2672497@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have boy/girl twins too! And they are both small (never above the 8th percentile for weight). Their pediatrician isn't concerned since they are growing according to their growth curves. C was 5lbs14oz at birth and was 14lbs13oz by six months. S was 6lbs5oz and was 13lbs6oz by six months. They are both 100% formula fed so don't let their doctor convince you that your breast milk isn't enough! Some babies are just small. </p> <p>The only thing that their pediatrician did say was that she wanted me to make sure they were getting at least one serving of meat or fortified cereal everyday once they started solids. I started with purees and cereal but quickly moved to finger foods. Spoon feeding twins is so time consuming! They eat chopped up chicken breasts or organic lunch meats, beans, quinoa, oatmeal, overcooked pasta, fruits, and veggies. Purees are definitely not necessary! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/7-month-old-weight-gain#post-2672488 Sat, 31 Dec 2016 15:24:47 +0000 Miss Ariel 2672488@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@meadow: I was off the charts growing up too. My mom got me a copy of my birth records and each appointment there's notes like "eat fattier food, like milk and cheese."</p> <p>Another thing our doctor suggested was when cooking to add heavy cream in things like mashed potatoes. But since that's something dh and I would b eating as well were reluctant to do it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/7-month-old-weight-gain#post-2672477 Sat, 31 Dec 2016 14:58:17 +0000 meadow 2672477@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@2littlepumpkins: I wasn't worried until the ped made us schedule an appointment to weigh him a month out from his 6 mo well visit. </p> <p>But thx for reassuring me!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/7-month-old-weight-gain#post-2672471 Sat, 31 Dec 2016 14:35:53 +0000 2littlepumpkins 2672471@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Um, I am no medical expert, but he's more than doubled in weight, he's breastfeeding and taking table foods, he's happy and seemingly healthy... sounds perfect to me! Also, since you were small it seems normal that he would be small too. It can't hurt to ask but honestly I don't think I would have even thought to be concerned! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/7-month-old-weight-gain#post-2672469 Sat, 31 Dec 2016 14:30:56 +0000 meadow 2672469@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Purpledaisy: awesome. Maybe I'm getting ahead of myself! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/7-month-old-weight-gain#post-2672440 Sat, 31 Dec 2016 13:10:14 +0000 Purpledaisy 2672440@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>At DS's 6 month check up he was 14.5 pounds. He was 6 lbs 13 oz at birth. His ped has never said anything about his weight. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/7-month-old-weight-gain#post-2672432 Sat, 31 Dec 2016 12:43:10 +0000 meadow 2672432@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mfa_lady: Yes - it is amazing how different the charts are -- I never knew it until I had my B/G twins who are roughly 1/2 a pound apart and on TOTALLY different curves.</p> <p>@FaithFertility: He is 26 inches (32nd ish percentile) as of his 6mo well visit. </p> <p>@Miss Ariel: 0 percentile - wow. You give me hope!</p> <p>@gotkimchi: Thanks for the link - I'll check it out!</p> <p>@Mrs. Goose: Good idea on the higher calorie foods - we have been doing veggies a lot - maybe I'll put some olive oil on them.</p> <p>@peaches1038: He is very antsy - so he could be burning extra calories!</p> <p>My parents used to always joke about how I was "off the charts" my whole childhood --- I was super tiny and low percentiles. So perhaps its a genetic thing!</p> <p>I obviously don't want to starve my son, but I am hoping not to have massive interventions if this is just how he is :)</p> <p>Thanks all --- it is good to know others have gone through this and have healthy LOs. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/7-month-old-weight-gain#post-2672421 Sat, 31 Dec 2016 11:54:10 +0000 peaches1038 2672421@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My guy wasn't a slow gainer but I've always heard that babies normally triple their birth weight by a year. It sounds like he's already almost there! As long as he pretty much sticks to his curve, I wouldn't worry. We did notice DS's weight begin to stagnate when we started solids and when he began to become more mobile. I try to offer high fat foods - veggies with olive oil, avocado, whole fat yogurt, etc </p>