Finally pregnant!! Now what?

[ThePippinator]

Hi!
I'm so excited to report that after three IUI's with our fertility specialist, I am PREGNANT!!! We are so excited and grateful to God, but now I'm starting to panic a little about food and getting what the baby needs nutritionally. I have read all of the "pregnancy & Low carb lifestyles" thread and loved every bit of it, but I still have a few questions. (Let me say now that I fully understand that ketosis is a big no-no.)

My husband and I have been eating probably under 25 (net) carbs per day. After each fertility procedure, I would usually add 2 servings of fruit and yogurt daily until I knew for sure that I wasn't pregnant, then resumed our usual routine. I want to continue our Atkins-mindset, as my husband is continuing this WOE, and needs to, due to his diabetes. From reading the previous thread, I assumed that I should add my fruit and yogurt, but also a slice or 2 of whole-grain bread.

I read today that my goal daily should be 150 carbs...that has to be "total" and not "net", right? And if that is the case, then I don't think my few additions will get me there. I don't want to be tempting my husband with the real no-no's like potatoes, corn, etc., so here are my questions:

Am I now counting "total" and not "net" carbs? And how can I add 150 carbs per day while still keeping our "Atkins-Atmosphere" at home? I've heard of the glycemic index stuff...where can I find an online list of what carbs are "good"?

Hugs to all,
Lori

Atkins since 1/30/04
297/262/165
Due date: 2/4/05 Hallelujah!!

[libaki]

Hi Lori,

I followed low carb during my pregnancy 6 years ago up until my 8th month and then I fell off the wagon so to speak. I was following the old Carb Addicts Diet which included one high carb reward meal each day. I never had any problems, my OB was extremely pleased and I had a healthy 8 lb 2 oz little boy.

I think 150 grams seems a little high (Where did that number come from?). I just tried to eat lots and lots of veggies, enough protein (meat, eggs, cheese, etc) to keep me satisfied and one serving of low carb fruits each day. I never counted carbs during the pregnancy, mostly I was just very carb aware.

[Knowles' Darlin]

First...Congrats Lori

As for the carbs....my doc is fully supportive of the low carb mindset during pregnancy with the addition of fruits and whole grains. She said the key is to maintain between 120-140 carbs so that the baby gets the nutrients it needs, and you still maintain a healthy weight. So that's what I'm following.

I'm sure everyone's doctor or experience is different. Maybe you should consider speaking with your doctor directly about it.

On a side note...when I found out I was pregnant and started adding 100 more carbs a day, I found myself to feel very sick after awhile. Took a week or so to get used to it...but now I find if I eat several small meals a day I do great.

Again, CONGRATS!

[huskersfan869]

My gynecologist has OK'ed me to start trying and once I am suggested around 80gs a day. I am not yet actively trying--summer vacation is coming in a week and I would like to get under 170 not just into the 170's. He is an advocate of Atkins--big time--I also have PCOS and this may not be as easy was DD was many moons ago. I would say eat enough to keep out of ketosis and keep the protein up not only builds your muscles and bones, but babies too! I have a friend who is eating 60-80 and is in her 8th month. . .they are afraid her baby is going to be huge--she has gained 17 lbs but is also fighting gestational diabetes and has to keep the sugar down. I don't think there is a hard fast answer except stay out of ketosis! Find what works for you, clear it wtih your doctor and go from there! By all means keep the stuff DH can't have out of the house!!!!!!

Pippinator,

I don't have lots to add, but congrats

Also here's a link for the GI. http://www.diabetesdigest.com/dd_nutrition2.htm It doesn't seem too useful, except for the fact that cherries are low GI

[sizzlingseven]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

You'll find the carbs add up quickly once you start adding different things to your diet. Just adding the milk and yogurt on a daily basis will start driving up the number. Plus, throughout the summer, with all the different fresh fruits and veggies (pineapple, peaches and plums, potatoes and corn..... mmm) you can start adding healthy carbs back in. The South Beach Diet has a great list of low-glycemic foods, if you can get your hands on the list. Plus, a scoop of ice cream at the end of the day is always a wonderful treat!

Enjoy your pregnancy! I'm at 31.5 weeks, and am SOOOOO ready for her to come out! Here's a picture of her at 28.5 wks, in my tummy, sucking her thumb.... so cute!

[LCandrea]

oh my goodness, that is amazing. what a miracle!

[Susan]

Congratulations Lori !

I do not have much to add about LC while pregnant, but there is a South Beach book called Good Carbs, Bad Carbs (I think that is the title if it isn't it is close). I think I paid $8.00 for it. It lists lots od foods. I think if you add back healthy carbs (whole grains, fruits & veggies) and stay away from processed foods you will be fine. Make sure you keep drinking plenty of water. Good luck!

Nikki,what a wonderful picture. My DD B-Day is 8-7 {she was born in 1979}. I still remember how hot it was! Try to stay cool!

Babies are such a wonderful gift .

Seven, what a wonderful picture!!!

[huskersfan869]

Awesome picture! That is soooo cool--I remember seeing my DD on ultrasound like that too!

[ThePippinator]

I agree...your picture is wonderful!!! What a blessing modern technology is!

Thanks for your advice...I guess our struggle with infertility (not to mention the cost!) has me really paranoid about doing everything I can do to ensure all goes well. And if I can count fiber now, then it will be easier to get up to the suggested totals.

You guys ROCK!

Lori

[jestey]

What a great picture! There is nothing so wonderful as seeing your baby for the first time - except holding that child for the first time! I can still remember how wonderful it felt for both DS #1 and DS #2!

[sizzlingseven]

hey everyone - thanks for all the well-wishes and compliments on the photo. I'm starting week 32 now, and can't wait for her to come out!

Its getting easier to eat more healthy - with the fresh fruits and veggies available now... plus I find that drinking my milk and eating my yogurt actually fills me up.

[jackiep]

Congrats Lori, I don't have much to offer on pregnancy diet, except try not to fall into the "I'm eating for two trap"Drink your milk that baby needs strong bones!!! And sleep as much as you can now cause when the little bundle of joy comes you will never sleep like that again, I didn't believe people when they told me that. I learned much, can't remember any of it though cause I never get any sleep anymore, But I wouldn't trade my daughter or the expierence for anything in the world, it's amazing.
Niki, Congrats to you too, I LOVE the picture!!, made me get my daughters out, man! 7 years just flew by somehow.Enjoy girls!