Can You Lose Weight During Pregnancy? Answered!

Being with a child is one of the most exciting moments of life. At this phase, your body is going through a lot of changes and it is normal that you might gain some weight for this purpose, especially during the second and third trimesters. Gaining around 11 to 16 kgs is pretty normal while you are pregnant.

Weight gain during the pregnancy period is called gestational weight gain. This weight gain comprises the growth of the baby, development of the placenta, fluid expansion, and maternal fat accumulation. Even though too much weight gain can have consequences, compared to women who were already obese before pregnancy, the impact of gestational weight gain does not have as many risks. New studies show that women should be more bothered about their weight before they conceive than any weight they gained during their pregnancy.

Is It Safe To Lose Weight While Being Pregnant?

Usually, doctors do not suggest losing weight during your pregnancy but instead will encourage you to lead a healthy lifestyle. Weight loss is not considered ideal for women who were at the time of conceiving already at a healthy weight.

But if you were overweight or obese during the condition, it might be a bit risky as it might lead to situations like preeclampsia, gestational hypertension and diabetes, and obstructive sleep apnea. Women who are overweight and preparing to conceive are often suggested to reduce their weight before getting pregnant because that is better than trying to lose weight during pregnancy. Managing your weight is a more feasible option than losing the weight gained during pregnancy.

Why Is It Not A Good Idea?

Weight loss is not much encouraged due to the concern that the methods that mothers opt to choose without proper guidance might do more harm than good.

Opting for traditional methods like exercise and calorie cutting might not be that good when you are not doing it according to instructions. Excessively reducing calories while you are pregnant is not at all good for the baby. This is the main reason why doctors would not suggest expecting mothers to lose weight unless they have a significantly higher BMI.

Addressing weight-related concerns earlier on in pregnancy is more effective. In a study conducted in 2014 included 114 pregnant women with obesity, it was found that amongst them the mothers who received nutritional advice and guidance between the 7th and 21st week of pregnancy were less likely to gain weight in the third trimester.

So instead of focusing on cutting down on your weight, try to go down the path of a healthy lifestyle.

Healthy Lifestyle Tips During Pregnancy

Here are some tips that might help you with healthy weight management.

Exercise daily

Exercise during pregnancy has somehow gained a bad reputation but that is not true. It is extremely beneficial for both baby and mother if you are exercising while you are pregnant. But always make sure to consult your doctor and confirm that you are ok to do exercises and ask the trainers to suggest exercises suitable for pregnant people. Exercise can not not only aid in managing weight but also help reduce the chances of developmental issues, and soothe aches that you might experience during pregnancy. Swimming, walking, prenatal yoga, jogging, etc are some of the best forms of exercise.

Healthy diet- Quality not quantity

Eating for two might not be the exact mantra you should be following when you are with a child. Studies show that one need not consume more than 2000 calories per day and eat like a normal person during the initial trimester. It is suggested to increase the calories when you are in the third trimester. The key is to eat in balance and include every nutrient in your healthy pregnancy diet for the healthy development of the baby.

Keeping it Chill

Pregnancy is a beautiful event. But some aspects of it are not very glorious. Growing another life can be a stressful experience for mothers. Focusing on the scales might be slightly important, but being careful about your mental health is also important. Stress during pregnancy can adversely affect this journey. So don’t stress too much on counting calories, try maintaining a healthy and balanced diet.

Final Thoughts

Pregnancy is a new and exciting chapter in every woman’s life. Even though we all can agree that birthing a new life is a heavenly event, the experience that it puts us through might not be a bed of roses for everybody. Your body will change a lot during this phase of preparing for the new life.

Hence it is best to not worry much about the aesthetic sides or getting back quickly into that old jeans but to be happy and healthy for yourself and your baby. Make sure to consult your doctor before making any changes in your diet or exercise routine. Always go for an expert opinion for a safe pregnancy.

Check out more: Pregnant Belly VS Fat Belly: Know The Difference