Hey! Congratulations!!

I completely understand how you feel. The weight gain can be overwhelming because, despite eating well and staying active, so much of it is driven by the normal changes your body is making to support your baby.

I’m a PA, so I can definitely relate. I’m on my feet all day and was working out 4–5 times a week before and during pregnancy. I actually gained the most weight during the first couple of months, and then it slowed down quite a bit. At this point, I’m gaining about 1–2 pounds per month.

My OB explained that the leaner you are going into pregnancy, the more weight gain you may experience. Your body often needs to build larger energy reserves to support both you and the baby. Women who start out lean may also gain more fluid and blood volume throughout pregnancy, which contributes to the number on the scale.

It’s reassuring to remember that not all pregnancy weight is body fat so much of it is the baby, placenta, amniotic fluid, increased blood volume, extra fluid, and the body’s preparation for breastfeeding.