Is Weight Loss in Pregnancy Possible?  

(Jayne Freeland - Aug 2009)

Weight loss during pregnancy is not advised, however, you can take measures during pregnancy to facilitate better weight loss after delivery. You should not be taking drastic measures to accomplish weight loss during pregnancy. Restricting too many calories can negatively affect the health of your baby AND it can cause health problems for you as well. That being said, many women who are overweight or obese when they become pregnant do end up in better shape at the end of the pregnancy and have a much better chance of losing weight after delivery.  

In the first trimester, many women experience “morning sickness,” which I figured out during my second pregnancy is a ridiculous name. I was nauseous during my entire pregnancy with my son, and consequently, I gained less weight than I did with my daughter. You may find that you lose a little weight during the first trimester simply because you have a hard time eating.  

However, the main reason women who are overweight or obese when they become pregnant become healthier is that for the first time in their lives, they are eating properly. If you follow the advice of your physician in terms of adequate nutrition for the proper development of your baby, you will be eating healthfully which is naturally conducive to weight loss. 

What better time to jump on the health wagon than when you have someone else to consider than yourself? You need to make healthy choices not only for you, but also for you baby. Not only that, but once your baby is born, you’ll have the health AND the knowledge to start your child down the right path. You can lead by example and you’ll know what to feed your child and what to avoid. 

“Eating for two” should not be thought of as doubling your food. Your growing baby is still very small and their energy needs are minute. Think about it this way: If all you did was float about in water all day and night as your body developed, how much energy would you need? So, avoid overeating during pregnancy. 

The weight gain you’ll experience should mostly be the baby as well as amniotic fluid, placenta and breast tissue, which will amount to roughly 15 pounds. If you start your pregnancy at a normal weight, the weight gain should be around 25 pounds. Underweight women need to fatten up a bit so they have some energy stores that previously didn’t exist, so they are encouraged to gain around 30 pounds or more. 

Caloric requirements during the first and most of the second trimester do not change significantly. During the last trimester, you want to make sure you’re eating around 200 calories more per day. This isn’t a lot. An extra serving of potatoes and whole grain bread at tea can easily accomplish this goal.  

Take this time to develop a love for fruits and especially vegetables. Try to have some at each meal and again at snack time. Eat small portions of food every few hours to avoid nausea, but make the foods healthful choices. This will also boost your metabolism and set you on the right path for weight loss after delivery. 

Other important foods are whole grains and lean protein. Avoid refined carbs such as white breads, pastas and other flour based overly processed foods. Avoid foods high in saturated fat by choosing lean proteins such as lean beef, lean pork, chicken or turkey breast, some fish (talk to your physician about mercury in certain fish), eggs (fully cooked) and non-fat dairy.  

Drink plenty of water during pregnancy and especially when you are breastfeeding after delivery. Exercise should not be heavy, but brisk walks and gentle exercise classes geared towards pregnant women are perfect if your doctor clears you for activity. 

Continue eating this way and adding exercise in your life after your baby is born and you will be on the very best path towards weight loss! Breast feed and watch those pounds melt away!!  

 
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