Were You Shamed for Your Weight Gain During Pregnancy?

As an eating disorder therapist, one of the things I found most annoying during my two pregnancies was the hyperfocus on the pace of weight gain by medical professionals. 

Being weighed can be incredibly activating for a person struggling with the relationship with their body, and one’s weight is taken at every appointment. 

While one can have their back turned to the scale, as well as ask the medical professional to not tell the number, it can still be an upsetting experience for someone in recovery.

Every body is different. Every body has a genetic different makeup, set point weight, and dietary needs. 

However, during the time of pregnancy, I have seen how the trend of the weight gain can be seen as a primary indicator of the health of the pregnancy. 

Medical guidelines indicate that a person should aim to gain X number of pounds in the first trimester, Y number of pounds in the second, and Z number of pounds in the third. 

And while there is a range for these numbers, I have far too often seen people be criticized for gaining ‘too much’ weight, ‘too quickly’. 

Yes, there is a concern for gestational diabetes and the development of pre-eclampsia when we see *sudden*, rapid weight gain. 

However, if there are no indicators of either of these conditions being present (meaning, the labs are all looking good), the language still being used with the birth parent is incredibly shaming.

I have seen how this leaves pregnant people feeling like a ‘failure’, or ‘bad’, as a parent - before their baby is even born!

Again, every body is different. Every body has a genetic different makeup, set point weight, and dietary needs. And this can apply to pregnancy, too!

You may identify with any of these examples. If you do, you are not alone. 

You do not have to do healing on your own. Please connect with a therapist (who specializes in working with eating disorders and/or perinatal mental health) to support you on this parenthood journey.

And, gaining awareness of food and body judgments (and learning where they came from) is the first part of my course: Finding Peace With Food & Body (During Pregnancy, Postpartum, & Beyond).

If you are interested in learning more about my upcoming course - and how you can participate in my free beta program - click here!