I have been trying to lose weight since December and I found this message board when I was looking for info on losing weight while nursing. I just confirmed with a home pregnancy test this morning that I am pregnant again. I have 3 teenagers and 3 young children (4 1/2, 3 and 14 months). I am still nursing the 14 month old 2 or 3 times a day. I have been limiting my calories to approximately 1500 a day and have been exercising by walking around town 2-3 times a day or quick stepping on the Wii Balance Board. I can't use the actually board right now as it drained our rechargeable batteries and we haven't been able to get anywhere to get new ones. Since Dec I have lost almost 45 pounds though I am still 60 pounds from where I want to be. I actually wanted to lose some more and get healthier before getting pregnant again. I am 217.4 pounds currently.

I know I should not be trying to lose weight right now. But I am trying to figure out how many calories I should have as a goal. I hope to continue the walks as long as possible.

omg, congratulations. I love big families. I know it is daunting to lose the weight and find you may gain it all back, but remember this is pregnancy weight and not the same thing. whatever you are eating now just add 500 calories, and you should be alright. In addition, continuing your walks throughout the pregnancy (without any added issues) should be just fine. congratulations again!

Does she really need to add 500 calories a day in the first trimester? Is that just because she's still breastfeeding?

Honestly, you can just maintain your weight as best as you're able and you'll be fine. People don't actually need to gain the 10-15 pounds recommended for overweight women, and that's even more true for obese women. My doc advised me to just eat as best as I was able to, exercise without wearing myself out, and try to maintain. He said it would be fine if through doing this, I lost too. And initially I did, I started at 235, through the first 20 weeks, went down to 226 and then back up, and then ultimately gained 8 pounds by 39 weeks, 12 pounds by 40 weeks. (I seriously believe that last week was all water retention since I didn't start swelling until then!)


Anyways, if you maintain, you'll have such an easy time whoosing your way into the 100's after the baby is born. Plus if you're doing it by eating healthier and truly listening to your body, baby will be getting everything it needs as well without starving yourself!