Is it possible to lose weight during pregnancy? Ideally, if you are pregnant you will actually gain weight. This is because of the added weight of the growing baby inside your tummy. Traditionally, losing weight during pregnancy is considered a bad idea. However, recent studies showed that there is health benefit associated with losing weight during pregnancy. If you lose weight, you will have an easier pregnancy and that your baby becomes healthier.
Average Weight Fluctuations During Pregnancy
Weight fluctuation is just normal during pregnancy. However, you should know the normal weight fluctuations during pregnancy so that you will have a benchmark. It is best to consult your OB so that you will be guided accordingly. Furthermore, you should also weigh yourself regularly so that you will be updated on the current changes in your weight.
First Trimester
Weight loss is one of early probable signs of pregnancy. The fluctuation in weight is associated with food fetishes. As a matter of fact, losing weight during first trimester is normal especially if you have moderate to severe morning sickness. The weight loss is just normal if it is below 10% of your total body weight. If it gets beyond, then you should immediately inform your doctor.
Second Trimester
When you are in your second trimester, you should start gaining weight. As a matter of fact, this is the time wherein you are gaining so much weight due to growing baby inside your tummy. If the weight gain is not consistent, then you shouldn’t worry that much. On the other hand, if you lose weight then you should contact your doctor. Weight loss during second trimester could mean a very serious complication such as
PIH or pregnancy induced hypertension and preeclampsia. Again, the average weight loss should be lower than 10% of your total body weight.
Third Trimester
During this time, your weight should be at its peak. However, there are women losing weight during third trimester and this is associated with changes in eating habit. Again, the average weight loss should be below 10% of your total body weight. If it goes beyond, then you should immediately contact your doctor.
Losing Weight During Pregnancy Without Trying
Gaining weight is just a normal thing if you are pregnant. However, some people especially obese women try to lose weight during pregnancy to avoid further pregnancy complications. If you don’t have the intent of losing weight, then you will surely be bothered once your weight fluctuates.
When Should You Worry?
As mentioned above, losing weight during pregnancy is just a normal change in your body. This is basically associated with hormonal changes and changes in eating and exercise pattern. If the fluctuation is below 10% of your total body weight, then you shouldn’t be worrying at all. However, if it goes beyond 10% of your total body weight, then you should be taking it seriously. Consult your doctor right away to
avoid further complications.
Diet
The types of foods you eat have a direct impact to your weight during pregnancy. There are foods you should eat, but there are also those you need to avoid. Fish is a rich source of nutrient, but you should avoid eating ahi tuna and king mackerel as these foods contain high level of mercury. Avoid eating raw foods if you are pregnant as these foods are more prone to bacteria. Try to limit the intake of fried foods,
liver, and caffeinated beverages.
Nausea
This is one of the probable signs of pregnancy. Nausea can be mild, moderate, to severe and it can be very disturbing especially if you don’t know its triggering factor. If you are pregnant, you will experience nausea with or without vomiting. If you have nausea with vomiting, then there is a tendency you will be losing weight, especially if the vomiting is moderate to severe.
Obese Women
Ideally, you are advised to gain weight when you are pregnant. However, it is the other way around for obese pregnant woman. If you are obese and you got pregnant, you are strongly encouraged to engage in a healthy lifestyle to facilitate weight loss thereby achieving a healthier and better pregnancy throughout.
Obesity and pregnancy is not a very good pair, but this does not mean you couldn’t
be pregnant at all. Ideally, obese woman who try to conceive are advised to lose
weight first. If you remain obese throughout the pregnancy, then your OB can make
use of various pregnancy exercises to help you control and manage your weight. The
goal of losing weight is to avoid various pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia
and pregnancy induced hypertension.
Obesity
Obesity remains to be a number one problem for women who want to conceive. Your fertility
is not defined by your weight, but the catch is that you are prone to various pregnancy
complications if you are obese. You will not only put your life in danger, but as
well as the life of your baby. If you are obese and you want to conceive, then you
should first work on your weight. This will make your pregnancy smooth sailing throughout.
Is weight loss recommended?
Obesity and pregnancy is not a very good pair, but this does not mean you couldn’t
be pregnant at all. Ideally, obese woman who tries to conceive is advice to lose
weight first. If you remain obese throughout the pregnancy, then your OB can make
use of various pregnancy exercises to help you control and manage your weight. The
goal of losing weight is to avoid various pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia
and pregnancy induced hypertension.
Obesity
Obesity remains to be a number one problem for women who want to conceive. Your fertility
is not defined by your weight, but the catch is that you are prone to various pregnancy
complications if you are obese. You will not only put your life in danger, but as
well as the life of your baby. If you are obese and you want to conceive, then you
should first work on your weight. This will make your pregnancy smooth sailing throughout.