Weight Gain Change Post-pregnancy

Well, I don't know if it is a fluke or reality, but I just had my first baby at 31 and am holding the weight at different places. I used to not hold the weight around my middle, but now I have plenty around my middle and less sticking to my hips like I used to. I'm only 5 months out from having the baby, but I am back to my pre-pregnancy weight...its just in different places now.

Hey H.-
I know what you're talking about! Even though I'm back at starting weight... I don't look the same!!!!!! A friend of mine told me that a friend of hers just went through gastric by-pass (and no I'm not saying get that!) and her doctor told her to drink TONS of water and skim milk to help tighten the skin so you don't have the saggy skin after weight loss. Me? I think it's allot of scarring from having a C-section. And unfortunately, we're getting old!!!! LOL!!!

Hi Hillary,

I definitely have seen an increase in weight gain in my belly since I entered my 30's (I'm 35). I have had 3 babies full term and 2 miscarriages. I never had trouble losing the weight until my 30's. But, you should seriously look into insulin resistant syndrome. Weight gain in the belly area is a sign that you may have this condition or it can cause this condition. Watching your carbs and doing sit ups would help. I hate doing sit-ups and I love whole grain carbs, but I am going to have start doing more sit-ups and less carbs in order to keep the belly at bay.

This reads like classic estrogen dominance weight gain to me. It is partially because you are older. Women in their 30s start to show more signs of estrogen dominance and belly weight gain is one of them. Avoid soy and phytoestrogenic vegitables. If you can, go organic so you aren't getting foods that are processed with hormones. The added hormones in food tends to be estrogen, pesticides are also very estrogenic. The type of cleaning supplies you use makes a difference as well since many contain xenoestrognes.

www.purelybalanced.com

Yes it has a great deal to do wit your age. I never had any problems losing weight. however, ALL of my pregnancies have been in my later fertile years (started at 34 and I'm now on my fourth at age 41). With each one I have had a really hard time losing the weight. I don't gain any other time except during pregnancy and with all the kids I have a hard time getting out of the house to work out, or even doing it inside for that matter. I recently read something that said that as you get older you have to use physical exercise much more than diet in order to lose weight. So that's probably it. Also, your weight distribution does change.

I agree with Cynthia T. Look to the hormones. Remember while you were pregnant all those weird emotional responses? Hormones. It's not far-fetched that hormones are still screwing things up. I'm 37 and just had my second baby ("just" being 8 months ago) and I've found that bouncing back ain't happening. I feel that at my "advanced maternal age" (ha ha) I can still attribute my weight to my son. Go to your local knowledgeable health food resource and ask about some hormone support compounds. Good luck.

Hi,
I had my first at 21. Back then I was 110lbs, gained 17lbs, and lost every ounce with no problem in months. I had my fifth at 29, gained 52 lbs, and had to swim, lift weights, and use an eliptical three times a week for nine months to get down to 115lbs. Those last five lbs will have to stay because my youngest is now 30 mos, and I have been stuck on 115lbs for almost two years. I encourage you to climb stairs, walk as much as you can, and do sit-ups. If you can afford to go to a gym, great, but if not use the stepping stools you are bound to have for your kids around the house and tighten your captain's quarters while also doing cardio. It will take time, but you can make the mid section match the rest of your body with some work. Best of luck.

this is normal for someone like yourself in your 30's...i had all my children in my 30's and that is exactly what i noticed...i did finally lose my belly and waist fat after having my first two children when going through some serious changes in my life like going to work full-time after not working, etc...i wish i could offer some advice but i'm still struggling with this myself after having two more children now 4 and 5...it would probably help both of us to reduce our carbohydrate intake...good luck and know you are not alone...

H.- I had my third son 16months ago- and have had a hard time with the belly fat! I'm a pretty small person - so this is real difficult to find clothing to fit me. I'm also 37- so yes- all of the factors you mentioned could be the problem...I'm trying to stay on a work out program (atleast 4 times a week) and monitor my diet...I think that is the only way- unless you can afford to hire a personal trainer to come help you a few timesa week - that would help!
Good Luck
Nikki

The same thing has happened to me - our youngest and third child will be three in August and I have not been able to shed those final pounds. It's not even what the scale says that bothers me - my clothes don't fit! It sounds like it is in the same area as you - that belly! I think I have an extra three inches around my waist. I have always been a happy size 8 - and now 10s are tight in the belly! I am in my late 30s (37) and I assumed it was weight too. I am a healthy eater and try to walk 5 miles three times a week (if none of the kids are home sick) and it hasn't made the slightest difference! I'd love any advice you might uncover!

Hey, have faith. You start exercising, doing your best and do as many sit ups as possible. Do not overstrain yourself. Drink plenty of water and keep exercising. I have only 1
child, who is 7 now, but I dranked plenty of water too. It really did make a difference for me. I was 35 when I had her. Do not get frustrated or anything, you can do it. I will walk with you if you like at the park or something to help. I live in Stockbridge.

Ladies, unlike you, I always had trouble losing weight and basically postponed trying until after my 5th was born. So, when she was about 2, I did some research and found a diet that worked. I lost 52 pounds and have kept it off for over a year now. Though I don't think every diet is for everyone, you can check out THE FAT FLUSH PLAN if you are interested. It specifically targets accumulated fatty areas (like belly fat) by cleaning out your liver and getting your lymph system moving (the system by which excess fat is removed from the body). The lady who wrote this program is Ann Louise Gittelman and she is a nurse and nutrition expert who has designed this program after years of working with other nutrion experts (I think she worked at the Pritkin institute) and counseling women much like us (late thirties after multiple births) who just can't seem to get rid of fat in certain areas of the body. THe program was good for me because it was very clear what I could and couldn't eat, and it took me five months to lose the weight. SO by the time I was at my target, I had plenty of time to adjust my eating habits and I still maintain most of those guidelines today. Good luck no matter what you choose, and remember that no diet will work until you have the energy and mindset to stick with it, so do some research and DON'T beat yourself up if you aren't ready. It took me 10 years of childbearing/nursing to GET to a place where I could really commit myself to the process. But i GOT there! Good luck,
M.

Well H., you are not alone. I gave birth to my 3rd child a year ago and like you - I have this belly fat that just sits there like an unwanted mole. I too am a 12-14 but my belly (and busts) are 16s. So if you get some great advice, I would love it if you would share it with me.

And kudos to you for home-schooling your children.

A. - SAHM of three fabulous children (2 girls and 1 boy) and married to Mr. Wonderful.

I had a very similar experience. I had my first son when I was 33. Only gained about 20 lbs with the pregnancy and lost it all pretty easily, and the stomache went back to normal, fairly flat. Then I had my second son when I was 35, still had about a 20 lb weight gain, lost most of the weight but my stomache never went back to normal. This past summer I decided to really start to work on it and began walking, working out with weights and a lot of sit ups. I actually did see a good bit of improvement. I'm afraid it comes with age, but in my experience with some work I saw improvement. Remember when you do your sit-ups to breathe out as you come up.

Yes I also noticed a change of weight placement after my 2nd child. I didn't have the weight gain as much around my waist as I did with my 2nd. I was 28 at the time.. But close to the 30 mark. A friend told me 28 was the year that most women start to gain more weight around the midsection. Alot of my friends have had the same issue. So I don't know if it is having a baby or just getting older.. Unfortunately, I believe that it is just getting older.

Hey H.! I am also a 30 somethings mom with weight!! I have 1 1/2 year old twin girls and about 20 extra pounds still. I have problems with my stomach and butt...lucky me. This was my first pregnancy and have no idea how to drop the pounds quickly. I was breast feeding and running which was working until I quit nursing. Everything I lost shot right back on in about 2 minutes. Now, I am really trying to focus on my diet and exercise routine. Any suggestions would be great!! I just wanted to let you know that you are not alone. I have had weight gains before (mostly due to living in Germany with great food and beer) but dropped about 25lbs within a year without really doing a lot. This time, I want to lose about the same amount to get back to prebaby but am having a heck of a time. Good luck with your goals!!!!! If you need extra support...send me a message!

M.

I know what you're talking about, H.! With each pregnancy I've noticed even though I came close to losing all the pregnancy weight my body was just a different shape. I had my first child in my mid thirties and my second in my late thirties. Maybe age has something to do with it. I haven't found a solution yet, but wanted you to know that I had a similar experience. I was inspired to respond to you because I am a happily married, stay-at-home, home schooling mom too so I haven't figured out a time to exercise yet. We're busy!! : )
-J.

Hi H.,

I am 30 and I had a little girl 6 mths ago. I went from a size 14 to a size 20 and most of my weight is in my stomach as well. I think it has a lot to do with our age. I had my son when I was 21 and I lost the weight real quick, I even looked better than I did before I got pregnant. I would recommend walking. Walking is the best exercise to do when trying to loose belly fat and if you can try some cardio, but remember if your not sweating it is not worth it. I live in a sub division with a lot of hills and I have recently started walking outside with my baby when the weather is nice. Also if you can afford it get a treadmill and walk when the kids are in bed, that's what I do and it is helping. They sell decent ones at walmart that are really not that expensive. I hope I was some help to you good luck!!!

T.

I agree that something strange happens when you have a post 30 child. I also have 4. After my fourth I noticed I was not "back" after one year. So I prayed for answers. As a result, I visited a natural health doctor, got vitamins for thyroids. Visited a chiropractor, got about 4 adjustments and got a colonic (Sorry-TMI).

Also, what's your diet like? We ER4YT. So a pre-pregnancy 8, went to a 10-12 and I'm now a 6. If you're serious about losing the weight - get serious!

Well, I don't have any great advice, but I feel your pain. I was one of those people who could eat anything for about my first three decades and not gain weight. One of those "too skinny" people until my mid 20's at least! I lost the weight almost immediately with my first without much effort at all (early 30's). After my second, I lost all but around 10 pounds and he's five now and that ten pounds is till not off! And if I don't watch it, it tends to creep up even more. I'm just not used to having to watch what I eat, but I'm starting to realize I have to get serious about it. And yes, it's mostly around my middle and I feel it in the waist of my pants, although I believe where we gain weight has a lot to do with heredity. I have had to stop blaming my second pregnancy and start admitting that my metabolism has finally started slowing down. I just signed up for a half marathon in June, and starting my training this week, so hopefully this will be the kick I need! Good luck!

Get the book "The 7 Principles of Fat Burning: Get healthy, lose weight and keep it off!" by Eric Berg, DC

It will explain everything. It certainly makes a lot of sense to me, and correlates well with my own weight loss issues. I just got the book myself, and am about half way through it, and will be starting the recommended plan for my body type very soon.

Good luck.

I lost my extra pounds just in one and half months by drinking mummy magic weight-loss tea, belly exercise, and healthy food.

H., I was just thinking of writing the same request yesterday. I am EXACTLY where you are, same measurements and a concentrated weight right in the belly. Also the overhanging skin is driving me nuts!! I am also in my early 30's. Hang in there! I am glad to know that I'm not the only one experiencing this (although I hate it for you too). Hopefully you will get some good advice, if you are like me, dieting and crunches just aren't doing it...Good luck!

You might have your thyroid checked out. I gained after I had my son and knew that something wasnt right. My dr. told me that they tyroid can malfunction after pregnacy. That was my problem. good luck.

I think it is part age, and part multiple pregnancies. After my first 4 I went back down to a size 4 easily. Then I had babies 5 and 6 in my thirties, and can't get past a size 8(about 15 lbs to big for my size frame). My weight gain is belly(which never happened before) and thighs(yuck). I bought a treadmill and I am trying to eat even better, than I did before. However with 6 children, it is hard to find the time to use the treadmill(haven't been on it in 2 weeks). I feel your frustration, and wish you the best. Large families are great, and well worth the extra weight.

H. girl...I feel your pain! I had my 5th child almost 4 years ago and the belly has persisted. I'm thinking it's part hormonal, part age, part laziness and part drive-thru syndrome :-) Seriously, I have friends who have had lots of children too and they've found that aerobic exercise (walking) and situps help tremendously. I'm trying that out now...I'll keep you posted. Also, 70% of what you look like is what you eat...the rest is exercise. One of those sad realities of life!

Hey Hillary, you are not alone girl! I never in my life had a problem with weight in my stomach and two children later the belly won't leave! I am smaller every where else though and sometimes I fear I may look pregnant! I did recently start weight watchers and I lost 9 lbs in 1 1/2 weeks! And have keep it off.