Due in a week --*rant*

Hi all,

Sorry if this is little long but i feel like I need to rant! So i'm a first-time-mom due in a week. So far my pregnancy's been great- no illness, sickness, stretch marks, varicose veins. I was 119lbs pre-prego and am up 25lbs now to 144lbs, with all my weight centered around my belly.

I used to be a super health-freak, used to run, work out like a beast and had enormous self-control around my diet and in the past 9 months- though i've been good overall I've given into my sweet tooth and eaten tons of dessert- i'm talking 500cals worth of dessert almost every night :(

I'm worried now that after the baby comes my habit will continue and i'll never get my earlier shape back :( PLus I cant seem to workout anymore..I walk 3 blocks and am tired and I don't want to see the gym!!!@

Whats happened to me? Will I ever go back to my old self? Anyone have any similar stories or advice for me? I know this is the last thing I should be worrying about but still jsut wanted to throw it out there!

Take a breath.

I had Julia 11 months ago so I can give you my story.  Before I was pregnant; i was super fit gym rat and weighed 118.  The day before I went into the hospital to be induced (10 days overdue) I weighed in at 179.  I ate really bad food at times b/c my cravings were overpowering-  from coleslaw w; watermelon to a whole box of entemans!!!!  Like you I had a wonderful pregnancy.  I did do a lot of walking and sometimes I went to the gym.  I didn't have stretchmarks or morning sicknes; just happy pregnant me.

When Julia was born my hormones were raging; I didn't get along w/ my DH for months, I feared going back to work; and I was SO FRIGGIN mad at myself for not being overjoyed when she arrived.  I felt selfish for wanting to sleep, I felt awful for not being happy every day.  Then three months went by and I went back to work.  more stress.  six months went by-  less stress; I was developing a pattern.  At six months post-partum I really did start focusing on my diet, calorie controlling and the like.  Then at 9 months post-partum I nailed down a daily routine that got me to the gym.  Now, she's 11 months; and I'm just starting to lose the last bit of baby weight.

You may have an initial drop of weight once the baby s born; but there's fluid retention, big boobs and odd cravings that you might need to succumb to.  PLEASE PLEASE give yourself some time before you jump on the weight-loss wagon, as you will have this newbie in your life and need to adjust to this newness.

You WILL get back to your old self, a better, more mature, more nuturing self-  and you will fall in love with life all over again with your baby.  It's OK if you're not blissful the first few weeks.  You will eventually over time grow into the mommy-mode all the while incorporating your little one.  Use resources to help you get back to the gym, it, a good sitter, so you can have time for yourself.

But pls-  don't rush into it-  like any weight loss plan you have to gear up for it-  be excited about it-  and want to do it. 

You CAN do it-  just give yourself plenty of time-  and ENJOY your little wee - one-  they are SOOOO cute and loving. 

I am a nicer, more-loving, more self-appreciating person.  And it's only been 11 months and I love myself way more now that I did pre-Julia.  Check out her pics!

I feel the same way!  My due date is tomorrow and I've gained about 22-23 lbs and am ready to have this baby!  I've been swimming 3 times a week but that is the only exercise I seem to be able to get myself to do in the past couple of months.  I get tired out exercising on land and I got winded yesterday pushing the vacuum around the house.  Congratulations on a healthy pregnancy and small weight gain and hope the baby comes soon for you!

You are sssooo not alone!  I am 36 weeks and up 22lbs and if anyone else tells me that I am going to get huge in the next four weeks I am going to punch someone.  Seriously, telling a woman, pregnant or not, that she is going to blow up like a whale is evil and not cool. 

I am a spinning instructor and thankfully am still able to work out 45 minutes to an hour a day 6 to 7 days a week.  I eat healthy but love some McDonalds Ice Cream cones (one a day), but I want to walk out of the hospital skinny. hahaha.  I have loads of fears also, so many women talk about life before babies then how they get fat and lazy afterwards. 

All I know is that it will be hard to be a gym rat for a little bit after but I am positive I will not stay big or keep the McDonalds habit.  Fear is just fear and seriously I know I will NOT walk out of the hospital skinny but I will return to normal within a few months after, with some hard work. 

I'm with you guys!  I'm 36.5 weeks and up 20-21 pounds and people keep telling me that I look small.  They then follow that up with "Wow, you're going to get so big the next couple of weeks!"  Is that supposed to make me feel better? 

I am curious as to how working out/running/meeting weight and exercise goals will work with a newborn, especially with the traditional "don't exercise for 6 weeks" bit after the birth.  I don't think I can do that and stay sane!

Good luck to all of you!

I am with you on that one.  We have a treadmill, I plan on walking a little and doing small things asap.  I can not sit around and not be active!