Losing Weight While Pregnant??

I've tried "Googling" this topic and have been getting mixed responses.  I am not currently pregnant but my husband and I are definitely trying.  However, I still want to continue my work out regime even if I do get pregnant.  Is it possible to lose weight in a healthy manner while you're pregnant?

This is something you really need to talk over with your OB/GYN.  For the most part, no, it's not a good idea because when you are pregnant, not only are you gaining weight from fat, you have to gain weight from the baby, amniotic fluid, extra blood to supply nutrients for you both, etc.  Even when starting out overweight, a pregnant woman should still GAIN weight during her pregnancy, just not so much if you are heavy when you start.  This is not to say that you can't exercise and eat right, but you have to supply enough of everything for the growing baby.  I would definitely talk to your doctor before trying to get pregnant for a healthy plan.

I concur to mlbtracy's message.

I agree with asking your doctor.

With my second child, I lost weight for the first half of my pregnancy, but it was just ME losing fat, every checkup was A-okay for baby's development.  Of course, about halfway through, when she really started growing, I started picking back up some weight, as to be expected, and at the end of the pregnancy I was heavier than I started, but only by 17 pounds. 

I think my weight loss early in the pregnancy was just the natural result of eating healthier (which I did, I really got with the program the day I found out I was pregnant!) and she was healthy, 22 inches and 8 lbs 5 oz.

But there are LOTS more issues to address than just weight ... pregnancy is a really delicate balancing act of a LOT of aspects of your overall health.  When the time comes, find a good doctor who you are "in sync" with and follow his/her advice.

You need to talk to your OB.  But No its not a good idea, the reason being when you lose weight your release toxins into the kidney and liver...those toxins can also go to the baby.  Also, you need to gain weight inorder to insure the baby is getting an adequate nutrients to grow properly and gain weight. 

you can continue to excersize safely during pregnancy there are restrictions on how high you can get your heart rate...etc.  But you doctor will go over those with you if you ask.

I have had six children and during all six pregnancies I lost weight during the first three months, without trying.  Then of course I would begin to gain.  Really gain.  Talk to your doctor.  I believe the most important thing is to maintain a healthy diet not to worry about whether or not you are gaining or losing weight.  Take your prenatal vitamins and get plenty of exercise.  The better physical shape you are in the easier your delivery will be.  Stay happy and relaxed. Oh, and once your little bundle of joy gets here, make sure you breastfeed, it really helps get rid of those extra pregnancy pounds, it truly creates a wonderful bond between you and your baby and it is extremely beneficial to your baby.  Congratulations!

Hi Everyone ~ Just a heads up that we're moving this discussion to our newer Health & Support forum (in a few minutes).

Yes, you must definitely discuss this with your OB, but also request a referral to a registered dietician! You will need the guidance of someone qualified in nutrition to do this in a way that's healthy for you and your baby!

But to encourage you, I can tell you that I lost 35 pounds while pregnant with my second child.

Best wishes on having a healthy, happy baby! And on making someone grandparents, the greatist gift you can give!!

Grandma Sue

 

mcap is right, eating healthy is most important, and if your doctor is anything like MINE was, believe me, you will KNOW if your weight is out of whack at all.  Mine was almost OCD about the weight issue!! but I ended up with healthy babies so it was worth it.

I was 320 lbs when I got preg with my daughter (is now 19 months old) I was so scared to gain more weight, so I watched what I ate to the point of very very limited fast food, more fruits and veggies, and whole grains, etc...  I ended up losing weight.  I would take about a 15 minute walk, slow pace, around the neighborhood about 3 times per week also.  All of this was monitored by my OB.  

I was concerned about the loss, but she told me that the baby is going to take what it needs first, no matter what, so dont worry about losing the weight, and ya know what, I didnt worry.. and she was 7 lbs 14 oz, happy and healthy!

You are still completely able to work out while pregnant! That is encouraged by most OBGYNs. As for losing weight, I was told you are supposed to gain 1 pound per week. But again it depends on what your doctor tells you. I wouldn't suggested necessarily "dieting" while pregnant, your body will tell you what it needs and you really shouldn't deny it when you are eating for two! However, as many of the above suggested you should check with your own doctor because every woman is different you need to be sure to do what's right for you! Good Luck and congrats!

I'm no where near being an expert but I'd say talk to your OB about it. It depends on your starting weight for how much you need to gain while pregnant. Theres no reason not to keep working out while your pregnant but you have to watch out what you do and how much you do, obviously low intensity will be prefered over the more high intensity workouts. To me it seems logical that if you're loosing fat weight but gaining weight from the baby, blood etc. You would end up balancing it and just not gaining very much, which if you're overweight they will recomend somewhere between 15-25 lbs gained max. At least thats what it was when I preggers with my first. I think as long as you're gaining the appropriate weight and the baby is growing it shouldn't matter if you're loosing the fat weight on the scale. IDK though, like I said I'm not an expert.

My suggestion would be just don't worry about the scale from now until you get pregnant and then until after the baby is born. Go by the way you feel. When you're pregnant the scale wont tell you how much weight is you and how much weight is just pregnancy. It can be very discouraging. Good luck TTC!

Not a DR. and talk to Him/HER       butI did lose weight the first few months (morning sickness)  And for the rest I only gained 20 ish.  I was over weight to start with so My OB wasn't worried. 

Are you over weight now?  You will need to increase your NET Calories (intake - burn = net )  to mainance but if you don't gain I wouldn't freak as long as the Dr says baby is growing well.

I was bad and kept eating like I was preg while BF and got as big a a house. 

When BF you need an extra 500 calorie while preg you need 700.

This is a two year old thread.