Weight gain during pregnancy is a common occurrence. This fact implies that you need to nurture your unborn baby. However, if you are overweight before you become pregnant, this extra weight can complicate your pregnancy in multiple ways. Maintaining a healthy weight during pregnancy is a very important aspect of pregnancy. If you have a BMI of more than 30, it may be helpful to lose some weight during pregnancy. And you don’t have to worry about it, because it is possible to lose weight in the first days of pregnancy.

Is it safe to lose weight during pregnancy?

For women who are obese, losing weight during pregnancy can reduce the risk of complications such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. However their weight loss process should be monitored by a physician or medical professional.

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Generally, pregnant women are not encouraged to lose weight during pregnancy or follow a weight loss diet. It is normal for a pregnant woman to lose weight in the first trimester due to morning sickness or loss of appetite, but then she can achieve it again and probably gain more weight in the next two trimesters.

Pregnancy weight gain chart

The proposed weight gain at different stages of pregnancy varies from person to person. In the first trimester, you will not gain too much weight as the baby is still small. On the other hand, morning sickness and loss of appetite in the first trimester can reduce your weight by a few pounds. Your weight will really increase in the second trimester, as your baby will start to grow in size. By the third trimester, your baby will continue to grow, but your weight gain should be stable. Since the inside of your stomach can become quite complicated and food can become difficult to eat.

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Take a look at the chart below to see how much weight you need to gain throughout the nine months of your pregnancy:

Pre-pregnancy BMIDepartmentSuggested weight gain18.5 — 24.9 General11–18 kg<18.5Low weight13–18 kg25–29.9Overweight8–11 kg>৩০Obese5–9 kg

If you have multiple pregnancy cases (twins or more), the ideal weight gain should be 16.5 kg to 24.5 kg.

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Distribution of pregnancy weight

If you’re wondering where all the weight of pregnancy goes, you’re not asking this question alone. The whole amount of weight obtained is distributed evenly. The distribution of the weight you gained during pregnancy is discussed here.

• At the end of pregnancy, the baby weighs about 3 to 3.5 kg.
• The placenta and amniotic fluid weigh up to about 1.5 kg.
• An enlarged uterus and breasts can weigh an extra 2 kg.
• Body fluids and blood can weigh up to 4 kg, while fats and other nutrients weigh about 3 kg. So the total weight obtained can be between 10 to 15 kg.

Can You Follow a Weight Loss Diet During Pregnancy?

It is not advisable for pregnant women to go on a crash diet or reduce their calorie intake during pregnancy. A weight-loss diet can bring about cellular changes in your unborn child. Reducing calories during pregnancy can increase a baby’s risk of obesity in the later years of life.

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A healthy diet that combines complete nutrition and fiber-rich foods is essential during pregnancy. Consult your doctor about the dietary changes you need to include to lead a healthier lifestyle. Include fruits, vegetables and fatty proteins in your diet and avoid processed foods, sugary foods and liquid calories (drinks).

How to lose weight safely during pregnancy

Being obese during pregnancy can lead to many health problems and complications during labor and delivery. However, losing too much weight during pregnancy can be dangerous for your health and the health of your baby. That’s why you should know how to lose weight without harming your baby. Here is what you can do.

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1. Find out how much weight you need to gain

Even if you are overweight, you can gain a few kilos during pregnancy for the health of your baby. Measure your current weight and calculate how much weight you need to gain using a pregnancy chart. Make it your goal to stay within that limit. Be sure to weigh yourself at the same time and on the same scale every time. As weight fluctuations are normal, limit yourself to measuring your weight once a week and weighing yourself every day can only cause unwanted stress and anxiety.

2. Reduce calories

Here again you need to calculate how many calories your body needs each day to keep you and your baby healthy. It is recommended that pregnant women consume at least 1,600 calories per day. By keeping track of what you eat each day, you can determine if your calorie intake is in the range or not. This will help you understand if you are eating more than your body needs.

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3. Exercise every day

Regardless of your weight, moderate physical exercise is recommended during pregnancy, as it relieves pain during pregnancy, when your body is going through so many changes.

At least half an hour of physical activity is recommended every day and you can do it step by step for 10 or 15 minutes. Swimming, walking and yoga are some of the physical activities that you can engage yourself in.

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4. Stay hydrated

Staying hydrated during pregnancy is extremely important and even more so if you engage in physical exercise. Drinking one to two liters of water per day can make you feel full and prevent overeating.

5. Eat healthy food

Avoid eating junk food and switch to healthier alternatives like fruits and vegetables. Choose whole grain cereals and breads with low-fat milk and dairy products. Look for foods that are rich in folate, such as strawberries, spinach and beans. Eat a healthy breakfast every day and eat high-fiber foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables and beans to help digestion and prevent constipation, which is a common problem during pregnancy.

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. Choose to eat small amounts of food

If you feel hungry all day, eat six meals a day instead of three. This will help you control the calories. Eating too much food can lead to heartburn and indigestion. So eat small but frequent meals.

. Take antenatal vitamins

Be sure to take your antenatal vitamins regularly as advised by your doctor. Taking antenatal vitamins every day will help you meet your nutritional needs without consuming more calorie-rich foods than you need.

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But keep in mind that supplements are not a substitute for real food and you must eat healthy foods to ensure that these nutrients are absorbed into your body.

What are the side effects of being overweight during pregnancy?

Being overweight or obese during pregnancy can be risky for you and your baby. The following are the complications that you or your unborn child may face if you are overweight.

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1. Fetal risk

• Possibility of miscarriage.
• The size of the baby may be larger than the average size; It can lead to obesity in later life.
• As an adult, a child is at risk for heart disease or diabetes.
• The baby may be born with neural tube defects.

2. Mom’s risk

• There is a higher chance of developing gestational diabetes, which results in a larger baby size, which can lead to a complicated vaginal birth.
• There is a high risk of preeclampsia, which can reduce a baby’s blood flow.
• Overweight pregnant women may experience problems during labor and delivery.
• Difficulty in observing fetal development.
• Sleep increases the risk of apnea, which can lead to fatigue and disorders such as high blood pressure.
• There is a high risk of urinary tract infection during pregnancy and postpartum (UTI).
• Blood clots, which can complicate childbirth.
• C-sections are more likely to cause infection or excessive blood loss.
• Childbirth labor may be induced.

Effects of mother and baby weight loss during pregnancy

Excessive weight loss can be counterproductive and have a negative impact on the health of you and your child. Unhealthy weight loss, which is usually caused by morning sickness or loss of appetite, can start in the first trimester of pregnancy and last until the end of the first trimester. Weight loss during pregnancy is not always healthy, as it can harm your health and the health of your baby. Some of the complications of weight loss during pregnancy are listed below:

• Lack of nutrition can lead to low birth weight babies.
• Anorexia nervosa increases the risk of miscarriage in the first trimester.
• The level of amniotic fluid is low.
• The child’s cognitive function is very low.
• You may always feel tired and at risk of infection.

Things to remember for caution

As discussed above, your weight can have a significant impact on the health of you and your child. Maintaining a healthy weight before pregnancy is considered ideal, but if you are obese or overweight, you do not need to reduce your calorie intake too much or exercise too much. Consult your doctor before you make any decisions. Instead of losing weight, you should focus on weight management.

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Pregnancy is a stage when you should take good care of yourself for the health of your child. If you are obese or overweight during pregnancy, you can lose weight. But you should focus on losing weight in a healthy way. There is no better time than pregnancy to make a significant difference in your lifestyle. Remember, however, that these changes are good for you and do not have a negative impact on your health.

Disclaimer: This information is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified professional physician.