Need help w/Pregnancy and Atkins

[bgulas]

I found out I was pregnant yesturday. I want to stick to atkins. What could I do or cant I do. please help

[smiley]

Congrats and Welcome to our group!!

I agree with Jeaniebear, you have to find what works for you. If you have some experience with Low Carb, just a few adjustments can make your pregnancy enjoyable and your weight gain controllable.

Low carb and pregnancy are compatable. Induction is obviously not recommended, but the maintainence phase is encouraged. For most people maintainence involves about 50-100 carbs a day. I probably averaged about 75-150 carbs a day while I was pregnant with Melissa. I gained exactly 25 pounds the entire 9 months. I felt and looked great. (I must admit to you that I haven't been as good this time around, I'm pregnant for the 2nd time and it's been much harder to stick low carb).

If you are eating the Atkins way, I'd suggest adding things like whole grains and simple fruits. I never limit my portions. Protein is the building blocks of your baby and you can't eat too much of it. (IMHO). I eat tons of chicken, tuna, cottage cheese, and meat. I eat as many vegatables as I want. I've added foods like Oatmeal, Fiber ONe Cereal and Healthy Life bread. This really brings up my carb count. I know that you are familiar with BFL workouts, (I did a challenge while breastfeeding Melissa), so if you've read the book, eating the BFL way is very similar to maintainence Atkins. I even had the "free day" about once a week when I was pregnant with Melissa. (I've had a few too many extra free days this pregnancy).

Try to stay away from pure sugars. I think that is the key to keeping your weight gain under control. Don't limit anything else, but limit sugar. That's my recommendation. Your fetus doesn't need sugar to survive, I'm sure of it!! He/she doesn't need jelly beans or potato chips.

Good luck and please keep posting. Ask any questions that come to mind, there aren't any dumb questions. I'm also positive that you can continue to low carb, be healthy and have an absolutely beautiful baby at the end!! Congrats!

[bgulas]

Thank you so much. I noticed I am eating a lot more. Is that okay? I been snacking on a lot of strawberries/cream cheese/walnuts/turkey slices/green beans/ and mushrooms. I am cramping very bad. Is this something you had at the beginning? It is hurting me a lot.

[smiley]

I can definitely sympathize with eating a lot more. I was (and still am) hungry, hungry, hungry. I think that's why it is so important to eat the good healthy foods and stay away from sugars and processed crap like potato chips and fries. If I was eating those all the time, I'd be as big as a house.

Regarding the cramping: I personally never experienced bad cramping with eigther of my pregnancies. I also never get cramps during my periods, so I think I'm just lucky. Some form of cramping is a frequent complaint on see on the bulliten boards I frequent. So I think it is fairly common. I would, however, be pretty concerned if this was combined with any bleeding. You may want to see your provider and see what he/she thinks. Have you started seeing an OB or a Midwife? Good luck.

[bgulas]

Thanks again, you are so much help. I have not seen a doctor yet. I am at serious risk because I had a tubal pregnancy in June 2002. I have been doing blood tests to see if it is a tubal pregnancy. I will know hopefully by tomorrow. I might see if they can get me in right away. I was suppose to exercise on Saturday doing Cardio and today off. I gave up the two until I find out if I am okay. Do you think that is okay? Tomorrow I will continue with my upper body workout. I feel as if I am gaining already. I know some of the weight gain is because I ate the bad snacks yesturday.