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What Causes Slow Weight Gain During Pregnancy?

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Posted on Sat, 19 Apr 2014
Question: Hello Ma'am, I am currently in 32 week 4 days pregnancy. My weight has been constant throughout pregnancy and I have not been showing too much as well. Some friends say that I do not look like in 8 months. During examination, my doctor told me that my uterus is growing on the sides more than in the front. She suggested a Growth scan on 21st march at 31 week 2 days. I am attaching the report here for your review. She is concerned that my baby's growth is not up to the mark. She has suggested high protein intake, including Threptin biscuits and Mama's Best supplement which I am having. She will repeat the growth scan again on 4th April to see. Genetically, my mother did not show too much as well and her weight had reduced during her first pregnancy, when she was carrying me. I was born extremely thin, but heavy bone weight, weighing 3.2 kg. My baby was weight 1452 gm as on 31 week 2 days. I am getting worried if everything is okay. I am eating as much as I can, but still not putting on good weight. My weight is increasing only in grams every week. I value your guidance and opinion. Please let me know your opinion. Thanks.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shanti Vennam (6 hours later)
Brief Answer: Detailed below. Detailed Answer: Hi Ms.XXXX Thanks for posting your query. At the outset, let me ask you not to worry. 70% of the fetuses where deviation is observed in growth are normal and it is only constitutional. IUGR is diagnosed if the growth is persistently below the 10th percentile even after repeat scans. I have gone through your report. A definite conclusion can be drawn only after a repeat sonogram is done. As far as the present parameters are, it appears that the growth is consistent, though on the lower side and it is more likely to be constitutional under such circumstances. Further management should include measurement of the fundal height, repeat sonograms, non-stress test and if needed further assessment, regular plotting of fetal biophysical profile and checking for signs and symptoms of pre-eclampsia. Antenatal corticosteroid is usually given if delivery is planned earlier and if the fetus is smaller than 34 weeks. I do not think you would need it. On your part, please try to take adequate rest as much as possible in the left lateral position, i.e., where you lie partly on to your left and slightly raise your right leg over your left. This helps to improve the blood supply to the placenta and thereby to the uterus. Take as much of liquids as possible, up to 4-5 liters a day. Improve the quantity of protein intake through supplements like Proteinex in milk and Threptin biscuits apart from dietary increase. If you can eat, have a boiled egg every day along with plenty of beans, dal and milk. In the end, I would ask you not to stress much, though it is difficult to do so, because stress can have an adverse effect on the pregnancy outcome. So, please do that. Hope I have answered your query. Please do contact if you need further clarifications. I will be happy to help. regards, Shanti.V.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Shanti Vennam (6 hours later)
Hello ma'am, Thank you so much for your reply. I have some follow-up questions. 1. I have been having a supplement called Mama's best. Is this good or should I change to Protinex? 2. I am having gas and flatulence, due to which my doctor has prescribed me Rantac 150 mg twice a day. In addition to that I am taking one tsp of Mucaine Gel in the night after dinner. This is helping me to eat properly at equal intervals. Is it safe to take these? 3. Sometimes I have this foul burps which cause nausea and vomiting sometimes. Can I take Eno for relief? Please let me know your opinion. Thanks.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shanti Vennam (14 hours later)
Brief Answer: Detailed below Detailed Answer: Hi Ms. XXXX Thanks for writing back. I am very sorry for not being able to reply sooner; I landed up with an internet problem that needed to be sorted out. Here are the answers for your queries:- 1. Mama's best is indeed good for pregnancy and need not be replaced; instead, you can try one drink with each. Proteinex also is available in different flavors. 2. You can safely take the antacid medication as you are well into your third trimester now. You can also try cold milk and honey to relieve heart burn, if any. 3. Foul burps are usually the result of indigestion. You can take Eno's for relief. You should also try some digestive enzyme at least once a day for a few days. Taking a leaf of XXXXXXX (tulsi) also aids in digestion. Do not drink excess water during a meal; this will dilute the digestive juices and cause indigestion. You should have water in between meals. Hope I have answered you. Please feel free to contact for further information. I will be ready to help. regards, Shanti.V.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Shanti Vennam (1 hour later)
Hello Ma'am, Thank you very much for your reply. Could you specify any particular digestive enzyme which I can take? Should I take it along with Rantac/Mucaine? Thanks.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shanti Vennam (13 minutes later)
Brief Answer: Can be taken separately Detailed Answer: Hi Ms. XXXX Thanks for writing again. You can take 'Aristozyme' syrup or capsules, whichever form is preferable to you. You can take one capsule or 5-10 ml. after dinner. You need not club it with Ranitidine /Mucaine. Once a day should suffice, however, if you still find the foul burps, you can make it twice a day. Prolonged treatment with enzymes is not usually suggested as it can lead to residual indigestion as natural production is decreased. Instead, please try to make small dietary adjustments like eating easily digestible food and trying frequent small meals. Hope your query is clarified. Please do contact if you need any more information. I will be available to help. regards, Shanti.V.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Shanti Vennam

OBGYN

Practicing since :1989

Answered : 7667 Questions

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What Causes Slow Weight Gain During Pregnancy?

Brief Answer: Detailed below. Detailed Answer: Hi Ms.XXXX Thanks for posting your query. At the outset, let me ask you not to worry. 70% of the fetuses where deviation is observed in growth are normal and it is only constitutional. IUGR is diagnosed if the growth is persistently below the 10th percentile even after repeat scans. I have gone through your report. A definite conclusion can be drawn only after a repeat sonogram is done. As far as the present parameters are, it appears that the growth is consistent, though on the lower side and it is more likely to be constitutional under such circumstances. Further management should include measurement of the fundal height, repeat sonograms, non-stress test and if needed further assessment, regular plotting of fetal biophysical profile and checking for signs and symptoms of pre-eclampsia. Antenatal corticosteroid is usually given if delivery is planned earlier and if the fetus is smaller than 34 weeks. I do not think you would need it. On your part, please try to take adequate rest as much as possible in the left lateral position, i.e., where you lie partly on to your left and slightly raise your right leg over your left. This helps to improve the blood supply to the placenta and thereby to the uterus. Take as much of liquids as possible, up to 4-5 liters a day. Improve the quantity of protein intake through supplements like Proteinex in milk and Threptin biscuits apart from dietary increase. If you can eat, have a boiled egg every day along with plenty of beans, dal and milk. In the end, I would ask you not to stress much, though it is difficult to do so, because stress can have an adverse effect on the pregnancy outcome. So, please do that. Hope I have answered your query. Please do contact if you need further clarifications. I will be happy to help. regards, Shanti.V.