20 (almost 21) weeks pregnant with a few questions. Can you help?

Question

I didn't gain any weight in the first trimester and only gained 5 lbs between 12 and 17 weeks but now at 20 weeks I have gained 20 lbs in all. What is the normal amount to gain at this point? How do I slow down the weight?

Is it normal to feel short of breath when on my back or leaning back against pillows? I am short waisted and I wonder where the baby is going to go the more it grows and if that is why I feel like I can't breath sometimes.

Answer 1

your weight is fine, dont change a thing, and whatever you do, DO NOT try to lose weight. If you do gain too much though, try eating fruits and things that are healthier. I have gained 60 pounds with my pregnancy, and my doctor says thats fine, that eveyone gains the weight differently. You will lose a lot of weight after you give birth, especally if you breast feed. For the thing about being on your back, its very normal. You should avoid being on your back, you are compressing a vein that gives your baby blood and oxygen.  

Answer 2

you should really talk to your dr because you have to weigh alot of factors when you talk about an issue like this were you of normal weight before pregnancy or were you under or over weight.  What is you eating and exercise habits,  I can go on all day but talk to your dr.  But I am 30 weeks pregnant and in the first trimester I lost 12 pounds and did not start gaining until 6 weeks ago and I just gained 7 lbs. back.  Now my doctor is not concerned because the baby is growing great, I walk all the time and chase my other 3 kids around all the time.  So that is okay for me but it may not be for the next.  Just talk to your dr.  

Answer 3

my dr. informed me that some ppl don't gain a lot of weight during their first trimester.  the 15 lbs you gained in three weeks is a bit much. i would just check with your dr about that weight gain given the three week time span.  

i had that same question about the short of breath lying on my back and leaning against pillows (though i think leaning against pillow helps with my breathing). my dr. said it's normal and comes with pregnancy.  

good luck!