Can You Lose Weight While Pregnant?

Can you really lose weight while pregnant? In general, no woman should consciously attempt to shed pounds when she knows she is pregnant, unless she is already overweight. Research suggests that losing excessive weight on purpose can actually increase the possibility of developmental problems for both you and your unborn child, so restricting certain nutrients and calories at this stage in life is not advisable, says...

The best time to start a weight loss program is the first trimester. Although it's difficult, trying to achieve weight loss in the early stages of pregnancy is doable. Most women find that by sticking to a healthy diet and incorporating exercise into their daily routine, they are able to successfully start a weight loss program in the first trimester.

Once you've decided to take up a healthy diet and begin a weight loss program, it's important to consult your ob-gyn. If you have any past history of being unable to achieve weight loss while pregnant, your doctor will likely recommend a visit to an experienced nutritionist or an OB/GYN. Even if you are able to stick to your plan to gain weight loss during pregnancy, you might still need to be monitored closely by an OB/GYN. Your provider will be able to tell you if you are at risk for gestational diabetes or gestational hypertension, conditions that can lead to problems during delivery. In addition, your doctor will be able to determine whether weight gain may be dangerous to both you and the baby, especially if your weight gain is greater than necessary.

If you have a positive checkup with your ob-gyn, you will most likely be scheduled for a prenatal visit. During this appointment, your ob-gyn will check on your height, weight gain, body composition, blood pressure and blood sugar level. You may also be asked about any symptoms you've been experiencing such as backaches, dizziness, lightheadedness or frequent urination. These tests are typically not very detailed, but they will provide your doctor with important information to aid in your pregnancy weight loss program. Your provider will tell you how to properly take your prenatal vitamins. It's important that you follow these instructions exactly to help ensure a successful pregnancy.

Women who are considering or currently pregnant should educate themselves on weight loss during pregnancy. While gaining weight is common during pregnancy, it's important to remember that you can become ill or injured during your pregnancy. You can reduce your chances of these complications by eating a healthy, well-balanced meal each day. To learn more about the different ways you can go about losing weight while pregnant, talk to your doctor or obstetrician.

If you are considering using any weight-loss medications, it's important that you consult with your doctor and a registered nurse. Your primary care practitioner can recommend medication that is safe for you to use during your first trimester. Some common medication options include appetite suppressants, which are usually prescribed to treat cravings. Talk to your doctor to determine if any of your medications could be harmful to your pregnancy.

Maintaining a regular exercise routine is also important for pregnancy weight loss. Walking is an excellent exercise that doesn't require special equipment or expensive programs. Just make sure you keep up with your plan. Try to increase your walking time each week, or even every few days. The more your body is exercised, the more energy it will need to carry you through your pregnancy.

The final piece of advice that you will want to remember when you are considering ways to shed extra weight while in your pregnancy is to stop depriving yourself of the types of food you enjoy. You are not going to give up anything in order to shed the weight. In fact, depriving yourself of certain foods can actually cause your baby to gain weight! Therefore, instead of eating ice cream, donuts, chips, chocolate, or anything else that is high in sugar and calories, focus on vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains that are good for your body and provide essential nutrients.