Does gaining five pounds in a month mean I’m pregnant?
Nope! According to the Mayo Clinic, a pregnant woman should only gain a few pounds in the entire first trimester (four months) of pregnancy. Your sudden weight gain is more likely due to a change in diet and/or drop in exercise. It’s also possible that stress, a new medication, or lack of sleep has altered the way your body stores fat. If you’re positive you’ve been exercising regularly, eating appropriate portions of healthy food, and taking care of yourself, consider seeing your primary care physician. A hormonal condition called hypothyroidism can cause unexplained weight gain, as well as fatigue, sensitivity to cold, depression, brittle fingernails, and other symptoms. However, the majority of weight gain simply comes from lifestyle change. If you are concerned about pregnancy because you have not menstruated on time, come into Teen Clinic for a free, confidential pregnancy test.
