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This blog post has been in the works for a while. I knew that I would need to write a post about this, but honestly I have not been able to organize my thoughts until now.
A few weeks ago I wrote a blog post called, Pregnancy Highlights: 11 weeks. Helen left me a comment on that blog post that I have thinking about ever since. Helen's comment said, “Do you think you could do a post on how pregnancy and WW work together? I know you cannot officially follow the plan when pregnant, but maybe you could also explain the rules - like what if you are LT, then become pregnant, how does payment work after baby until you get back to goal?” Today, I want to focus on the first question in Helen's comment and come back to the other ones another time.
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Before I begin, I want to make it very clear that what I am going to write is my opinion. It is NOT the opinion of Weight Watchers or anyone else. I am writing from my own personal perspective and opinion. I am not a professional nutritionist, just a woman trying to lead the healthiest lifestyle possible while I am pregnant.
With that being said, I think I should share with you that OFFICIALLY you cannot follow the Weight Watchers program while you are pregnant. A portion of the Weight Watchers health notice states, "Weight Watchers prohibits participation in its weight loss plan for children under the age of 10, those individuals with an active medical diagnosis of bulimia nervosa, those whose weight is less than 5 pounds above the minimum weight of the Weight Watchers Weight Ranges, and during pregnancy." To read the entire Weight Watchers health notice, please click here.
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All of that being said, for the last 12 weeks of my pregnancy, I have still been following Weight Watchers. Over the last 3 years, I have faithfully followed the Weight Watchers program and it is a way of life for me. I've tracked my PointsPlus each day for years, even as a Lifetime member. I knew that one day I would get pregnant and I would continue to follow the Weight Watchers program.
I have still tracked my PointsPlus each day or my pregnancy. Right now, it is early in my pregnancy and I do not need to gain very much weight. So, I have continued to eat the same amount of PointsPlus values that I did when I was trying to maintain my weight as a lifetime member. I have gained weight during this time, because of different cravings that I have experienced.
I know that in my second and third trimester, I am supposed to gain more weight and eat about 300 extra calories a day. I want to gain this weight for my baby. My plan is to add 300 calories worth of PointsPlus to my daily budget so that I will be gaining weight at a healthy rate.
I know that this is not "official", but this is what I've decided to do during my pregnancy to give my baby the best and healthiest start possible. Also, I am going to remain a Weight Watchers leader throughout my pregnancy. I want to continue to be a good example to my members as they learn to lead a healthier lifestyle.
Personally, I wish that Weight Watchers had a program for pregnant woman, especially considering that they are not a "diet", but they do not offer anything like that at this time. So, I am going to apply the principles that I have learned about healthy eating throughout my pregnancy.
Many of the articles that I have read from What to Expect and Baby Center want me to eat the same foods that Weight Watchers has encouraged me to eat. I've already been leading a healthy lifestyle, I am just going to continue to do it while I am pregnant.
9 comments:
I followed Weight Watchers, with my doctor's approval, when I was pregnant with each of my daughters, and everything worked out fine!
P.S. I don't want to short my firstborn, my son. I gave up diet soda in favor of regular coke and gained 50 pounds, which I never lost afterwards. Not on WW for that pregnancy.
I agree with you, its not a diet so they should create a program for pregnant ladies. They have the little booklet for breastfeeding moms, so that may be something to look at. I plan on sticking to the program when I get pregnant. I can't wait to read your future posts!
your post is really nice, because weight watchers guide during pregnancy is helpful for mothers to know the health of growing baby.
Hi Jennifer, I have to say your story is really inspiring and here is my real question... I was battling with losing weight from my first baby (13 months now) and now I just learned I'm pregnant again, I have to say this wasn't planned, it was on our thoughts for another 5 months but we are happy about it... I'm just a little concerned since I'm already overweight and I would like to change our habits and not really lose weight but at least not gain lots of it this time around.
How are you doing by now? Did you still find a way to work WW into your diet? Any plans on doing a post about it anytime soon?
Alex
We are trying to get pregnant and I want to try and maintain the weight I have when we finally get there, then add the appropriate amount of points during the 2nd and 3rd trimester. How many points is 300 calories?
How many pointspoints points is 300 calories? Calories aren't a factor when calculating pointspoints points- just fat grams, protein, fiber and carbs. Any advice?! Thank you!!
One of my close friends suggested me about the weight watcher during my pregnancy. It is helpful but more important is to maintain a healthy and nutritious pregnancy diet.
I found this post to be helpful, but was curious as to what my target point range should be as someone who is overweight and 11 weeks pregnant. At my current weight, my target is 26 but should I add a few points to account for pregnancy? or is too early in the game to do so?
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