Pregnancy and weight loss. What you need to know

You may have heard the myth that your "baby will take up all of your  excess weight after pregnancy," but is this really true? In some cases  it can be, but what about those women who end up losing more weight  post-pregnancy than they gained during their term? Is this actually a  problem or is there a biological reason behind it?

The truth is that your weight after you deliver the placenta and  amniotic fluid will more than likely end up weighing less than what it  did before you got pregnant. Now, this doesn't mean that every woman  loses weight during pregnancy, as research has shown that at least 25%  of women gain more weight than recommended throughout their term.

So if you think back to when you were pregnant, did your weight stay the  same or did it fluctuate? Did you lose weight directly after delivery  and was this intentional? If so, why did you do this instead of allowing  yourself to take time off from dieting to gain weight naturally?

The answer is that gaining or losing weight during your term isn't  related exclusively to how you take care of yourself throughout the  entirety of your pregnancy. As it turns out, this is more about what's  happening in your body at the time.

So.. my advise for women who are struggling to gain weight would be to  educate themselves on the signs of pregnancy and why it's happening,  instead of taking weight gain supplements to get back on track. Even  though this may seem like the best option at the time (especially if you  work in construction or another physical job), try to understand that  your body is going through a lot.

There are biological reasons why you  aren't putting on a lot of weight.

Is it OK to lose weight during pregnancy?

It is OK to lose weight during pregnancy if you have been diagnosed with  low-weight gain or have lost too much weight on your own. It can be  very stressful and scary for a mom, but it can also be dangerous because  of the baby's lack of nutrients to grow. Please speak with your doctor  about weight loss while pregnant so they can help you determine the best  course of action.

How can I safely lose weight during pregnancy?

The best way to lose weight during pregnancy is to stick with your  doctor's recommendations for healthy dieting and exercise. If you've  already been given several how many pounds you can lose, make sure that  you don't surpass this number as it could be harmful to the baby and  your own health. By staying within waist management bounds, you can lose  weight safely and effectively.
Even though some women have trouble keeping their caloric intake low  enough to prevent the baby from gaining too much weight, this doesn't  mean that you should partake in crash dieting. A healthy diet consists  of three square meals per day packed with fruits, vegetables, breads,  lean meats, yogurt and cheese. Ensure that you're taking prenatal  vitamins and getting enough iron, calcium, and fiber into your diet.

Eating healthy doesn't just give the baby a good start in life, but  it'll help you feel better throughout your pregnancy. Try to avoid  overeating and be mindful of what you put into your body at all times.  This will help you avoid gaining weight at a rapid rate and ensure that  your baby is healthy and strong.

If you want to lose weight during pregnancy, try to make sure that  you're eating at least four servings of calcium per day (you can take  citrate tablets in order to get this number up). Vitamin D trumps  calcium in regards to your baby's health and development, so try to get  in some good sunlight in order to obtain the necessary vitamin.

Taking in plenty of protein and eating lots of fruits is safe to lose  weight during pregnancy. Remember that healthy foods won't just help you  with your day-to-day activities, but they'll also give you the  nutrients that you need to keep your baby healthy.

In  order to prevent from getting stretch marks, try drinking at least  eight glasses of water per day and moisturize your skin every time after  you get out of the shower. Be sure to wear natural fabrics like cotton  (and not silk) and take a folic acid supplement to avoid giving birth to  a baby with neural tube defects.
When you're pregnant, you'll need at least three servings of vegetables  per day (try to avoid canned veggies because they're high in sodium).  Making sure that you're eating the recommended number of fruits and  vegetables will help you to prevent from gaining too much weight during  your pregnancy. Try putting together a healthy smoothie with your  favorite fruits as well as leafy greens.
In order to keep from gaining weight during pregnancy, try focusing on  what you put into your body. Remember that the baby isn't just going to  look like you, but it's developing based on what genes are being passed  down from you and your partner. If anything, losing weight during  pregnancy is much safer than trying to lose the baby's weight after it's  born.

How can I safely work out during pregnancy?
All women are different, so only follow your doctor's workouts for your  specific case. If you can work out without any major issues, try  sticking with low-impact activities like yoga and walking. If you're  used to running or doing high-impact workouts, try walking on the  treadmill at a low speed.
If you have problems with your blood pressure while working out, don't  hesitate to check it before beginning any new exercise routines. Try  doing some exercises targeted towards strengthening your core muscles so  that your body can be prepared for the additional weight you're  carrying around.
If your water breaks before labor or if you try to induce labor by doing  physical activity, this is a sign that you need to discontinue working  out. If you feel like you might be getting contractions, call your  doctor and stop exercising immediately.
When it comes to safe workouts during pregnancy, always ask your doctor  for advice and let them know your concerns before you begin exercising.  Remember that what is safe for one woman during pregnancy might not be  safe for another; depending on their background, age and when the baby  is due.

How much weight loss during pregnancy is normal??
Most women lose between 10 and 15 pounds during the first trimester of  their pregnancy. The second trimester usually sees a weight gain of  around 25-30 pounds and the third trimester will have a weight loss of  around 15-20 pounds. In some cases, women might also see an additional  five to ten pound weight loss after giving birth.
Weight gain during pregnancy can be attributed to more than just eating  for two. Throughout your pregnancy, the body goes through many changes  that require extra energy (including growing a new person) and this is  where weight gain comes into play. Weight loss occurring after giving  birth usually comes from losing water weight which can happen anywhere  between six-ten days after giving birth.
Most women who have a healthy pregnancy will not see a significant  increase in weight (and will most likely lose the majority of their baby  weight within six weeks). If you're having trouble losing the baby  weight after giving birth, consult your doctor about possible causes and  they can help find a solution to get rid of that excess weight.
In most cases, weight loss will be a slow process after giving birth. In  order to lose the additional weight from pregnancy, you'll need to eat  healthier and exercise regularly with your doctor's supervision.
Weight loss during pregnancy can range from very minimal (as in one  pound) to as much as fifty pounds after giving birth. This depends on  how much weight you gain during your pregnancy and how much weight loss  occurs after giving birth.

Can I lose weight at 30 weeks pregnant?
According to doctors, it's safe for most women to see an initial weight  loss of around ten pounds during the first trimester of their pregnancy.  If you're not used to working out or exercising regularly, now is a  great time to start. You'll feel better about yourself (and look better,  too) by doing some simple exercises that can help tone your muscles and  get your body ready for your bundle of joy.
Most pregnant women will begin showing around the fourth month, so it's  important to take care of yourself before this happens. If you're  struggling with weight loss during pregnancy, talk to your doctor about  ways that you can increase activity levels (without overdoing it), and  they'll be able to come up with a plan that'll work for you.
If you're trying to lose weight during your pregnancy, there are some things that you need to keep in mind:

  1. Always ask your doctor about ways that you can safely increase exercise levels (without overdoing it);
  2. Don't wear yourself out by exercising too much or you might feel tired and worn down;
  3. Decrease the number of fatty foods that you eat so that your body can get used to eating healthier during this time.

After 30 weeks pregnant, weight loss is safe if your doctor has not  mentioned any problems. In most cases, there is no reason to lose weight  during the later stages of pregnancy, but it is always best to ask for  advice from your doctor first.

What can I do to lose weight after 30 weeks pregnant?
Most doctors will recommend that you don't worry about losing additional  baby weight until after giving birth. If you're struggling with weight  loss during pregnancy, talk to your doctor about ways that you can  increase activity levels (without overdoing it) and they'll be able to  come up with a solution.
A healthy diet and active lifestyle will help you lose weight after 30 weeks pregnant.

These are some tips that can help:
1. Drink plenty of water (at least eight glasses every day) to stay hydrated;  

2. Cut back on sugary drinks like soda because they'll only cause problems for you in the long run;  

3. Eat smaller portions (for your meals and snacks) in order to feel full;  


4. Don't skip meals. This is the worst thing you can do because it will make you feel hungrier in between meals;


5. Hit the gym for some exercise when you're feeling up to it (although your doctor might recommend not overdoing it);  


6. Spend some time with your kids or do household chores to get in a little bit of physical activity; and  


7. Snack on healthy foods like fruits, vegetables and nuts.


Weight loss after 30 weeks pregnant is possible without the help of a  professional trainer if you dedicate yourself to eating better and  exercising regularly. Your doctor will be able to help you develop a  diet and exercise plan that works for your lifestyle and needs.

Why you may be losing weight while pregnant.
Weight loss during pregnancy can range from very minimal (as in one  pound) to as much as fifty pounds after giving birth. This depends on  how much weight you gain during your pregnancy and how much weight loss  occurs after giving birth.
While most women put on an average of fifteen to thirty pounds during  their nine months of pregnancy, some will lose weight. This is because  they are very ill or underweight to begin with, or their doctor has  recommended that they limit the number of calories that they take in.
For most women, you can expect to see an initial weight loss of around  ten pounds during your first trimester. If you're not used to being  active or working out during your first trimester, then you might find  that it is too much for you and this weight loss could occur.
When figuring out how to lose weight after 30 weeks pregnant, you need  to consider why your body is losing weight. If you've been underweight  or ill during your pregnancy, then it's possible that your body was  unable to gain weight during this time due to the fact that it was  trying to fight off other problems.
Weight loss after 30 weeks pregnant can be a result of your body burning  fat to produce energy and keep you healthy and strong while you're  carrying around a baby inside of you. Some women claim that they feel  more energetic during their pregnancy because of all of the physical  changes that their body is going through.
Even though weight loss after 30 weeks pregnant can be seen as a  positive sign, it might not be what you want to happen for your overall  health and wellness. While losing weight before having a baby is an easy  way to fit into smaller clothes or feel more confident about yourself  while you're pregnant, you should talk to your doctor about the amount  you've lost and how much weight is healthy for your body.
Some women will notice a pretty significant change in their weight after  giving birth because of the water weight they have gained throughout  their pregnancy. You can expect to see a ten-pound loss within a few  days after giving birth, which is why most women will lose weight while  breastfeeding.
One of the biggest factors when figuring out how to lose weight after 30  weeks pregnant has to do with the hormonal changes that occur during  this time in your life. Pregnant women have much higher levels of  hormones than non-pregnant women. Some examples of these hormones  include estrogen, progesterone and hCG.
These hormones play a very important role in how your body functions  during pregnancy, including the amount of water that you retain. Water  weight is very common among pregnant women because their bodies will  hold onto as much water as possible to protect the baby. Women are often  advised to drink more water and eat foods high in fiber to help reduce  the amount of weight gain during pregnancy.
Since hormones will cause you to hold onto more water, this can affect  your bodyweight even after giving birth. After childbirth, some women  will experience a drop in their hormone levels, leading them to lose a  bit of weight or notice that they no longer look pregnant. There are  some cases in which women won't lose any weight after having a baby, but  it has less to do with their pregnancy and more to do with the fact  that they didn't gain much weight while pregnant in the first place.

Weight loss in first trimester.
Most women will lose weight during the first trimester of their  pregnancy. The majority of this weight loss is due to water weight gain  from increased levels of hCG. hCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin , is a  hormone that is produced by the placenta to help build the baby's  organs. hCG acts as an appetite suppressant to help limit the amount of  weight gain throughout pregnancy.
After delivery, hCG levels will drop and increase appetite can return causing an average of 10 pounds of weight gain.


Weight loss in the second trimester.
The average woman will begin to gain weight during the second trimester  of her pregnancy. This is an important time for your baby's development  as they enter the fetal stage, including all of the major body systems  fully formed by week 20.
Mothers who are breastfeeding will continue to lose weight during the  second trimester. This is because they are burning an average of 300  extra calories a day while breastfeeding, which can add up quickly over  time.
Weight loss in the third trimester.
During the last few months of pregnancy, you should still follow your  doctor's orders about what to eat and when to exercise. Some women might  notice that they are still nursing their baby during the third  trimester, which will continue to help you lose weight.
Physical activity can be beneficial to your health and wellness while  pregnant . It is important for you to focus on what you can do instead  of avoiding it. Work with your doctor before choosing an exercise  regimen to help you create a safe and effective plan for both mom and  baby.

What to do if you are losing weight during pregnancy.
If you are concerned about losing too much weight during pregnancy, consult your doctor to find out the problem.
It might indicate a hormone imbalance which can be treated with an  adjustment in vitamins and supplements. If you are not eating enough  food or you have lost too much weight on your own, this could also be  why it's happening so you need to be checked out by your doctor.
Avoid any fad diets or weight loss pills/products which can be harmful  for both mom and baby. Women who are concerned about weight gain during  pregnancy should speak with their doctors about healthy alternatives to  help them reach a healthy goal that is safe for both mother and child.

What not to do if you are losing weight during pregnancy.
If you have been diagnosed with low-weight gain or have lost too much  weight during your pregnancy, don't try to limit your calorie intake.  This will slow your metabolism and cause a lack of nutrients for you and  your baby.
Losing weight while pregnant is not healthy because it can cause a lack  of nutrients and you won't gain weight adequately enough to support the  baby growth. Not gaining any weight at all is even more dangerous, so if  this is your situation, speak with your doctor immediately to ensure  that you are getting the proper amount of nutrients through your food  intake.
Make sure not to over-exercise or push yourself too hard while pregnant.  You were likely exercising before you got pregnant, but make sure to  consult your doctor and work with them on the best exercise plan for you  while continuing to stay healthy and safe for both mom and baby.

Conclusion
Pregnancy can cause weight loss, or it can cause weight gain. Because  pregnancy is such a special and unique time in a woman's life, many  factors need to consider weight loss during pregnancy. There is no one  answer for every mother, but the average weight gain in the second and  third trimesters of pregnancy ranges from 25 to 35 pounds. Women who are  breastfeeding during their pregnancy will continue to lose weight.  However, if you are concerned about losing too much weight or not  gaining enough weight while pregnant, talk with your doctor immediately  for advice on preventing it and what to do if that is the case.