QuestionHi Helene,
I am at the end of my 6th week of pregnancy (first pregnancy). For the first couple weeks of my pregnancy I was feeling great, but towards the end of week 5 I became extremely bloated. I have been very very constipated, and my stomach is so distended I look about 4 months pregnant unless I'm sucking in my stomach. My hands, face, and feet are not swollen at all.
In the past 4 days I've gained 4 lbs. I'm a very fit person and have been keeping up my routine throughout pregnancy thus far. I'm very concerned about this weight gain because all of the articles and books say not to gain any weight at the point I am at in pregnancy. Is this weight gain considered "real" weight gain? Is this just bloat and not something I should be concerned about. How many pounds is it really possible to bloat. I'm just terrified by gaining this much this quickly. Is this ok?
AnswerThis doesn't sound like a weight gain of increased fat storage, but of bloating, water retention, and constipation.
Body weight can easily fluctuate several pounds, so don't stress over it. Increase your fluid intake, eat foods like prunes, or stewed fruit, that will help with your constipation, and then eat some yogurt (or probiotic supplement) that has live cultures to help re-establish good gut biota.
In the first trimester, you only need an additional 100 calories over your pre-pregnancy metabolism. A glass of non-fat milk, which provides both protein and calcium is a good choice.
In the second and third tri, you'll need and additional 300 calories per day. If you eat a healthy diet in the proper amount, you will not gain excessive fat, and so won't have any "baby fat" to loose after your give birth.
Some prenatal viatmins have extra iron that can be very constipating.
