Weight gain is a common thing while someone is pregnant. It might come as a surprise we are even talking about weight loss rather than how much weight gain. Well, losing weight while pregnant is possible, and it should not be something that alarms you. However, if the weight loss is significant, that is when you should be worried.
HealthCanal has tips on monitoring your weight and living better during pregnancy. We talk more about losing weight while pregnant, if it is a good thing, and how to ensure you have a healthy and safe pregnancy.
Why Are You Lose Weight While Pregnant?
Healthy weight during pregnancy is important to pregnant women so that they can carry the pregnancy to term. During this time, no woman should try to lose weight intentionally. Even obese women are advised against drastic weight loss by doctors. This might often lead to complications in the baby’s development.
If you are already pregnant, your doctor will advise you on how to avoid pregnancy complications and gaining weight too. The idea is to ensure you do not end up with high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and other complications, even if you have excess weight.
During your first trimester, it is possible you may gain 1 to 5 pounds. So, even if you experience a bit of weight loss, it should not be something that worries you. Most of the time, this weight loss may be attributed to morning sickness, which improves with time.
That being said, losing too much weight during the first trimester should also be a concern. Healthy weight is important, but losing excess weight of 5 to 10% during the first trimester should raise some concerns. Some experience such weight loss because they are now working out more often than before. Make sure to have a bit more calories to support the growing baby.
Hyperemesis gravidarum is when the pregnancy weight loss is progressive or simply too excessive than the normal rate. This is a complication due to severe morning sickness. You may also experience severe stomach pain and dehydration signs. Seek the doctor’s advice on such symptoms to get better.
Is It Good To Lose Weight During Pregnancy?
The body mass index in overweight women might drive them to try and lose excess weight while pregnant. It might be because they fear gestational diabetes and other complications that come with excess weight gain. However, losing excess weight during pregnancy is not advised. Actually, there are more dangers than benefits to losing weight while pregnant.
Losing too much during pregnancy might increase the risks of having a baby with birth defects. This includes neural tube and heart defects. Sometimes you may end up having the baby prematurely too. Also, getting accurate ultrasound tests is harder.
If you are overweight and not pregnant, that would be the best time to lose weight. Get yourself a healthy diet and exercise more often to lose the excess weight to lose weight safely before getting pregnant.
Another potential reason why not to keep losing weight while pregnant is that it can lead to slowed growth in your baby. Studies show immense weight loss while pregnant was a key factor for neonatal mortality and morbidity.
The last thing someone would want to experience is perinatal mortality because they simply want to lose as much weight as possible. A restrictive diet may help with weight loss but can also result in infant death.
How To Have A Healthy Pregnancy?
There are a couple of things you can do to help to boost energy and ensure you have a healthy pregnancy. Below are a few expert tips on how much weight gain, the food to eat, and simply how best to live while you are pregnant.
- Start by taking prenatal vitamins from the moment you know you are pregnant to avoid pregnancy complications. Such vitamins help the baby develop correctly.
- Staying active with exercise makes it possible to prevent gaining excess weight while also handling your weight issues better. Seek a healthcare provider’s tips on maintaining a good weight while pregnant.
- Educate yourself more about pregnancy and how best to care for yourself. This might include signing up for a childbirth class to get you prepared.
- Consider eliminating toxins from your life as they can lead to birth defects, miscarriages, and other health issues. Such include drinking, drugs, and smoking.
- Mild weight loss during pregnancy should not scare you but have a regular check-up to ensure everything is going on well during this time.
- You may have to stop doing some chores around the house. This includes anything that might be too strenuous on you and the baby. These include using harsh chemicals, climbing ladders or step stools, standing too long, etc.
Conclusion
In case you are hoping to achieve normal weight, we recommend you lose fat after pregnancy because it is now easier for your body to handle the changes. You may experience moderate weight loss while pregnant, but if it gets worse, talk to a doctor about it. We also recommend eating healthier foods, having light workouts, and generally practicing the tips mentioned above on having a safe pregnancy, and you will love the journey.
FAQs
- Is it possible to lose weight while pregnant?
Yes. You can lose up to 5 pounds during the first trimester. However, it is often temporary as you lose weight because of morning sickness and other factors.
- Why am I losing weight while pregnant?
During the first three months of your pregnancy, most of the time, you experience nausea and morning sickness, which cause a drop in your appetite. Of course, fewer calories mean you can lose a bit of weight.
- Is it okay to lose weight during pregnancy if overweight?
You will need proper monitoring by the doctor to ensure you are not losing too much weight which impacts the baby’s development. You will need a proper diet plan and exercise routine to keep losing weight while pregnant.
- Can you lose weight in the 3rd trimester?
Losing weight in the 3rd trimester is not a good sign. It could mean that the baby has had poor growth, there is low amniotic fluid, or other issues. Let a doctor carry out a couple of tests to ascertain what the issue could be.