not eating enough - no growth in baby?

[wantabump]

I am quite a petite person. Before getting pregnant I weighed 8stone exactly. In the first 13 weeks I put on 1 stone. Then by about 18 weeks I was 9st5. I am now 25 weeks and weighed myself tonight and im 9 stone exactlly.
I have cravings for chocolate etc but I know that I dont eat proper meals. I rarely cook a dinner for myself, would usually have toast or pasta, maybe some mashed potatoes but no meat at all.
Im also concerned because I am measuring 3 weeks too small (midwife appointment this morning).
I had a panini at lunch time today and hadnt really felt much movement over the last 2 days so I just forced myself to eat some toast to try to wake baby up! I did feel a few kicks after but im just worried.

 

[evasmum]

It's probably best to speak to your midwife, I think sometimes they can refer you to a dietician. Do you take a pregnancy multivitamin, probably best since your diet is lacking in vitamins from food.

I don't know if the size of your baby is directly related to your eating habits, your mw could tell you x

 

[xdxxtx]

Measuring 3 weeks small by fundal height or ultrasound? Fundal height isn't very accurate, so maybe you should get checked by ultrasound if you haven't already.

I've lost 14 pounds (but just put one back on over the past 2 weeks!) since being 6 weeks pregnant, but baby was perfect in size at my last ultrasound 3 weeks ago. Hopefully it will be the same way next week! I AM taking a prenatal vitamin, but I'm definitely not eating well (and wasn't eating all that much for quite a while). I'm not sure if the two are related.

 

[tinkerbelle93]

It's said you should increase the recommended amount of calories by an extra 200-300ish
And make sure you're eating healthily Eating lots of the wrong food can make baby too small. Pregnancy vitamins are always good too xx

 

[Rees]

Extra calories are only required in 3rd trimester.

Your baby will get the nutrients it needs somehow from you, it might be because you're petite or because you were tiny before you found out you were pregnant.

Some babies are just small, I was tiny born (5lb10oz) and I was overdue, I had a daughter who was also overdue and she was huge compared to my baby pictures and she was 7lb5oz born!

Baby might also be lying a bit awkwardly or further back Unless your midwife is worried, I wouldn't be too worried, there's plenty of time for the baby to have a growth spurt

 

[LittleBambino]

You sound like me. Prior to getting pregnant I was 8 st 4 & size 6/8. Now at 24 + 5 I have put just a stone and 2 pounds on. I am a little concerned as I just don't feel hungry anymore, movement is also less frequent when I don't eat plenty. I have a growth scan in a week due to pains. I haven't had my F height measured yet. I hope all is well? I guess everyones's body grows at different rates during pregnancy! X

 

[flashy09]

I wouldn't worry. You sound like your weight gain is good so measuring small is not your fault. You would have to seriously be starving to affect the growth - your body puts the baby first and takes everything from you it needs. I started off at 100lbs and now am at 106 at 21 1/2 weeks and my baby measures great and it's certainly not from my perfect eating habits!

 

[knitbit]

You could try adding some protein shakes.

 

[larababyx]

if you are underweight to start with you should be tryint to put on ateleast a 1 lb every week in first and second tri ! im underweight too and i have spoken to a dietician you might want to ask your midwife if you can go see one xx

 

[Blah11]

Well, sounds a bit patronising but eat more? Just try and have 3 meals a day and atleast that way you know you're getting the calories you need AND the vits and minerals you need too. You can't live off chocolate and carbs as you'll get very sick.

Baby will be fine though, it literally sucks all your energy and goodness away leaving you with nothing if you don't replenish the stores. I was measuring behind with amelie (2-3 weeks every time) and she was fine, just a smaller baby.. dont think im having that prob this time