Pregnancy is a time when women undergo numerous bodily changes, including weight gain. While gaining weight during pregnancy is crucial for the baby’s wellbeing, some women may worry about their increased body weight and wonder if they can lose weight while pregnant. The topic of losing weight while pregnant has been a subject of debate for many years, and health experts have varying opinions on it.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), women who are overweight or obese before pregnancy should gain less weight during pregnancy than their normal-weight counterparts. However, they also advise against actively trying to lose weight during pregnancy. Instead, women should aim to maintain their current weight or gain a moderate amount, depending on their pre-pregnancy BMI.
The ACOG advises women to maintain a healthy diet and engage in physical activity to help manage weight during pregnancy. This can include activities like walking or swimming, as long as they are safe and approved by a healthcare provider.
Dr. Mirella Nguyen, a Maternal-Fetal Medicine doctor at Baylor Scott & White Health, warns against losing weight during pregnancy as it could put the baby’s health at risk. “When a pregnant woman loses weight, she’s also losing vital nutrients and energy that her baby needs to develop and grow,” Dr. Nguyen says.
Dr. Nguyen also points out that losing weight during pregnancy could lead to complications like low birth weight and even preterm labor. Additionally, some weight loss methods like fad diets and appetite suppressants could harm the baby and should be avoided.
Most health experts agree that the best way to manage weight during pregnancy is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating a balanced diet full of nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Women should also aim to stay active with safe exercises that help improve circulation, reduce stress, and promote healthy weight management.
In conclusion, while it’s perfectly safe and recommended for some women to gain weight during pregnancy, there are ways to manage weight gain without actively trying to lose weight. Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle, as well as engaging in safe physical activity, can help women have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet or exercise routine during pregnancy to ensure your and your baby’s safety.