Updated: Oct. 23, 2023
Originally Published: April 19, 2016
“Are you consuming a lot of carbohydrates?”
This innocent question came from my patient during her 32-week check-up. She was carrying a baby already weighing in at 4 pounds and 13 ounces. It’s always a pleasure to see expectant mothers, and I genuinely appreciate the candid nature of my patients. However, this particular inquiry often leads to a bit of tension, especially with mothers who feel the pressure of societal expectations surrounding their weight during pregnancy.
Her response was a mixture of defensiveness and humor, reminiscent of a child caught sneaking cookies. She attempted to justify her carb-heavy choices by referencing her own family’s history of delivering larger-than-average babies. “It’s in our genes,” she remarked, her husband chuckling in the background. It was clear she felt the need to defend her choices, a common occurrence among pregnant women facing scrutiny.
Let’s be honest: pregnancy is not the time for guilt trips about food. Between caring for a lively toddler and navigating the physical demands of carrying a growing baby, meal prep often falls to the wayside. Sometimes, the allure of convenience wins over the desire for healthy meals.
Nausea can linger into the third trimester, particularly in the mornings. When she mentioned the idea of an egg-white omelette, I couldn’t help but chuckle at her exasperation. Separating eggs and preparing a meal while managing a toddler? Not an easy feat. Often, she finds herself forgetting meals altogether, only to be hit with intense hunger pangs during her child’s nap time, leading to late-night takeout orders.
Many mothers can relate to the fleeting feeling of bloating after overindulging in carbs, but for her, that sensation seems to be absent since her belly became more pronounced. With just a few weeks left in her pregnancy, she was reveling in the freedom of enjoying her meals without post-carb guilt. After all, she had experienced a similar scenario in her first pregnancy without any adverse effects on her baby’s health.
Her family history also plays a role in her attitude towards weight gain during pregnancy. She mentioned that women in her family tend to gain significant weight only to lose it swiftly after childbirth. It’s fascinating how genetics can influence pregnancy experiences, isn’t it? But let’s not forget the importance of balance and self-care during this time.
As she wrapped up her appointment, I couldn’t help but appreciate her lighthearted approach to her dietary choices. She playfully noted that she was off to “yoga,” which was really a trip to the grocery store for frozen yogurt. It’s crucial for expectant mothers to find small joys, especially during this transformative time.
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In summary, pregnancy can be a unique experience filled with challenges, especially regarding diet and weight gain. However, it’s essential to approach this time with a sense of humor and understanding of one’s own body and family history.