4 pounds in a week?

I don't really understand. I've taken up jogging, and have done 20-30 minutes of it everyday for about a week. Now that school's started, I've been more active than I have all summer. 

Summer I kept a weight of 156-157. In the past week, I went to a 160-161. I've tried to eat healthier foods, I even have time for breakfast now. I have had some more ice cream than usual but I can't see that being the problem.

I do want to put out that I've been slightly paranoid about pregnancy. I did have somewhat unprotected sex in the beginning of August and I've been afraid. Weight gain is the only sign I have to go by right now and no other signs have shown up in the past couple of weeks. I don't want to dare consult my mom about it.

Could my weight gain be linked to a baby or just a part of a changing lifestyle?

Weight fluctuates for all sorts of reasons, and yes, increasing activity, especially if it leads to sore muscles, can cause you to retain water for awhile.  However, if you think there's a chance you could be pregnant (and I'm not sure what somewhat unprotected sex is), take a pregnancy test.  They're available in every drug store and supermarket.  Don't put it off any longer.

Dear Selena, 

Please listen to dolphinclick and take a brisk walk to the next drugstore. By all means run or jogg if you like. But buy a pregnancy test and do it either at home or - if you don't want to be around your family - visit a friend or do it in the bathroom of a restaurant. 

You should make sure it's a special test for early testing as it's only about 6 weeks ago. 

Once this question is answered you can either start worrying how to tell your parents (and the potential father) and rent the movie 'Juno' or forget about it and concentrate on your weight.

BTW - have you had your period since then?? That would be the easiest question to answer and should give you an idea of what to expect. 

All the best

B.

Thanks. I've had my period since then, it's been regular, and to be honest, by somewhat unprotected I meant it never penetrated, but it was still around that area. I have never had any other signs, morning sickness, fatigue, etc, I've never experienced it. I'm almost sure I am not, but my mind gets paranoid rather easily.

When I saw I gained 4 pounds so quickly, my mind instantly jumped to that conclusion, since I haven't changed much eating habit wise. My logic tells me it is probably what dolphinclick said and my weight is fluctuating from increase in activity, but I will go to the drugstore and secretly try it just to be careful. Self diagnosis isn't too safe...

Hi Selenaraye, Once you have  found out for sure that you are NOT pregnant.  Please don't put yourself through this unnecessary uncertainty.  If you are going to have sex, use protection. And don't depend on him to get it.  And you can still get pregnant without penetration.  Sperm can swim up stream! After you have determined that you are not pregnant ask this same question again. Sorry I couldn't focus on your weight gain.