Losing Weight During Pregnancy: Do It Safely

Too many women packs on excessive pounds during pregnancy. It can help your baby grow and provide nourishment to the developing fetus matter of fact.  However, the weight you gain during pregnancy should remain at a steady pace.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), it is okay to work out while pregnant (as long as you avoid anything intense). However, Dr Michael Cackovic of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center believes it is not a good idea.

He emphasized ACOG guidelines stating that women across all BMI‘s should gain some weight during pregnancy. Women with“normal” BMI should gain 11 to 15 kilos, those who are overweight 6 to 11 kilos, and those who are obese 5 to 10 kilos.

Losing Weight During Pregnancy When Obese

Obesity increases a pregnant woman’s risk to miscarriage, stillbirth and various pregnancy-related health complications. Even if your BMI is above the normal range for women, actively losing weight during pregnancy – especially by following a restrictive diet for weight loss’ sake – isn’t smart.

This is because when you put your body into “starvation mode” (as it does when you reduce kilojoules excessively), it creates carbon fragments from your liver called ketones, which supply you with energy when you’re not taking in enough kilojoules. These ketones linked with brain damage in babies can cross the placental barrier and reach the fetus.

Dr. Cackovic suggests limiting an obese women’s weight gain but not to recommend weight loss. Instead, he recommends following a healthier, more nutrient-rich diet.

Obese women with gestational diabetes, a form of high blood sugar affecting pregnant women may subject to a strict eating plan by their doctor to try to modify their blood sugar. This can lead to weight loss or at least a plateau in weight gain.

If you fall into this BMI range and want to reduce your risk of weight-related pregnancy complications, talk to your doctor before making any big changes to your diet or exercise plan during pregnancy.

Losing Weight During Pregnancy When Not Overweight

If you’re trying to lose weight while pregnant, it’s a sign you suffer with an eating disorder. It’s normal to gain weight during pregnancy but weight loss is not the expectation. Address these concerns to your doctor that can refer you to a specialist for help.

And if you’re a fitness enthusiast who wants pregnancy “abs”,  try to make healthy changes before you get pregnant and keep up with your healthy lifestyle post-baby bump. Follow the amount of weight gain recommended by your doctor to avoid putting your unborn child at risk.

Create a strong and healthy placenta for your baby by consistently eating a healthy and nutrient-rich diet. Or hold off on your slim-down plans until the baby vacates the premises.

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