On weight...

So my scale broke at about 6 weeks. It was a blessing in disguise so I didn't get obsessed over the number on the scale, but rather occupied myself with eating and feeling healthy. Today, I had my first real doctor's appointment, related to pregnancy of course. I've actually been to my doctor several times over the past month, but that was car accident related. So, what I find out is that they weigh you when you first get there.

According to their scale, I have gained 10 lbs.

Ouch.

In the 1st trimester, they recommend 3-5 lbs maximum.

So I felt horrible all morning. I was stressing about that. i mean, I'm hungry constantly and I don't want to deprive myself or my babies, but I also don't want to gain 50 lbs during this pregnancy!! So what do I do?

And then, I started to calm down. I started to think about the fact that I normally weigh a few lbs more on their scale than my own scale at home (+ 2 lbs). Also, I was fully clothed, rather than naked like I normally weigh myself (+ 2 lbs). ALSO, it was AFTER a really big breakfast instead of first thing in the morning, with the longest waiting time after my last meal. (+ 2 lbs) So, really all things considered, I probably haven't gained 10 lbs, but rather 5 lbs, which is okay.

As I knew before I started, it really doesn't matter what number is on the scale, but as long as i feel okay and I'm eating healthy. So, I'm okay now. And I'm happy with my weight gain.

So how come a number can cause such devastation? How are we programmed to fear that number, rather than simply listening to our own body and what it needs?