Can you loose weight healthily when pregnant?

[Mama246]

Hey, I’m just wondering if anyone has lost weight healthily while pregnant, if so how? I just got my BFP and my bmi is 29 so I’ve not met with midwife to discuss yet but would really like to come out healthier at the end of my pregnancy. Baby is a priority to me not weight loss but it’s safe to do so I would like to try!

5”8 and currently at 14st

I definitely wouldn't attempt any extreme or crash diets or aim for rapid weight loss but something along the lines of healthy eating (lots of veg) and staying active to only gain weight within recommended limits would probably be ok (unless there are any medical conditions of course).

For what it's worth im currently 5 weeks and thanks to lockdown snacking and lazyness a few kilos heavier then normally. I've been increasing my cycling (e.g. extending the normal childminder pick-up ride) and stopping myself from snacking. Im aiming to lose a kilo or two in the first trimester.

Hope your midwife has some helpful advice.

Definitely speak to your midwife but for most people there isn't a reason that you can't improve your diet and lifestyle during pregnancy.

It is only in the final trimester that you need to eat more than the RDA and that is only 200kcal more. I struggled with pregnancy sickness during the first trimester and lost weight as a result and has a very limited diet and all has been OK. Making sensible adjustments to your eating habits shouldn't cause issues for most people but do check with a medical professional.

In terms of exercise, they say you can continue with exercise you were comfortable with before although be prepared to gradually slow down over the 9 months. The golden rule is to not exert yourself to the point you can't hold a conversation at the same time as exercising. If you haven't done much exercise before start small with walks and gentle exercises and build from there. Be warned the first trimester can come with fatigue too which can impact what you can manage.

Thank you @DoubleHelix79 and @Superscientist for your advice! That’s been really helpful, I will definitely speak to midwife too!

It’s normal to gain up to 26lb in pregnancy, due to the extra fluid, weight of the baby and the placenta. If you don’t want to put on an excessive amount of weight, try and maintain a balanced diet, include some gentle exercise and try not to eat for 2.

www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/im-pregnant/weight-management/how-much-weight-should-i-gain-pregnancy

www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/pregnancy/how-much-weight-will-i-put-on-during-my-pregnancy/

Yes you can. I got gestational diabetes so went on a low GI diet, very healthy, lots of veg, protein and fats but limited carbs/fruits/sugars.

I ended up 1 stone lighter at the by the time I gave birth and nearly 2 stone lighter within a week after having DD.

Thank you for the link @bythehairsonmychinichinchin Trying not to fixate on weight too much but I’m sure baby and I would benefit from a healthier diet

Thanks for sharing @TorysSuckRevokeArticle50 I have pcos so a low GI is generally recommend for me too. I think pcos also put me at higher risk for gestational diabetes. I also had a 10lb baby in my first pregnancy (gestation diabetes test was negative though)

If anyone else has any personal stories I would to hear them?

I lost weight in pregnancy i was sick at the beginning which did help but when i was weighed at the first midwife appointment my bmi was 33 the day before i was weighed for my section it was 27, i cut my portion size down, ate really healthy, obviously no booze helped!! But i just felt fuller for longer as my stomach was obviously smaller. I left hospital 2 days after having baby and i weighed nearly 3 stone less than when I got pregnant!

@Lovewinemorethanhusband amazing! Wouldn’t mine that at all! Hoping for some healthy cravings as chocolate is my weakness!

@mama I couldnt stomach chocolate, anything deep fried or anything that sat heavily in my belly, i spent a fortune on subway salads i absolutely loved those. Chicken wraps with onions and sweetcorn was a go to at lunch at work. It's just making different choices really, i have put back on some weight and think its mainly tiredness with 3 children and dealing with home working and home schooling along with the 1 year old which results in lots of wine!

@Lovewinemorethanhusband sounds like your doing an amazing job! Chicken wraps sound delicious I may have to have one for lunch today!

It will depend on your general health and other issues as well. You dont want to end up becoming anaemic or anything.

You can lose weight during pregnancy, but maybe your big goal should be not to pile too much on. You will gain but be sensible about eating; dont eat for 2 and stick to a healthy diet. Avoid processed and sugar filled junk.

www.slimmingworld.co.uk/mums/expectant-mums/support