Can I lose weight while pregnant?

[ChuffingHeck]

I lost 4 stone last year and managed to get down to about 9 and a half stone after a lot of hard work and was so proud of myself. I’m currently 23 weeks and weighed myself for the first time in pregnancy and was horrified to see I’ve crept back up to 12 stone

I’ve been absolutely ravenous during previous and just have never felt full which has led to me just eating rubbish. When I lost weight last year I did so with a combination of running and intermittent fasting. I definitely can not run now, but would like to do more walking. With the fasting, I was thinking instead of the 16:8 I could try something a little less strict and do 14:10 but I’m not sure this will have the same effect?

I know I’m bound to gain weight in pregnancy but really 2 and a half stone by 23 weeks feels more like I’ve just completely indulged.

Has anyone lost weight while pregnant through diet and exercise?

Please don't fast while you're pregnant, it can effect your blood sugars and result in ketones. Eat healthy, smaller portions throughout the day and keep active.

If you're eating carbs, eat the brown types I.e Brian rice, brown bread etc.

I really wouldn't focus on losing weight. I'm in the same position as you and I can understand why you're worrying but you've got less than half way to go, just enjoy your pregnancy and baby. Plenty of time to lose weight later

Yep fasting is unhealthy in pregnancy. They suggest just eating normal portions nothing extra for baby and make sure its healthy with good fats. Women with high bmis sometimes get referred to a dietician and are expected not to gain weight so it is possible.

You’re similar weight to me pre- pregnancy- how tall are you? I’m 32 weeks and have gained over 2 stone. I’ve spent far too much of this pregnancy weighing myself and fretting about my weight, so try to go easy on yourself. So much is baby, water, placenta, boobs, uterus growing... you just can’t know how much is just extra non baby weight. Keep up the walking - I was running still untill 2 weeks ago and it really helped. Allow yourself treats and just try to balance the beige food with healthy. I wouldn’t fast though. It’s really not worth it. Know that when baby arrives you can kick start your fitness again and the weight will creep off, I’ve done it twice before and got my bikini body back eventually!

Thank you all, so fasting is out then! I think probably my downfall has been eating crap (especially bloody Easter eggs 🙄) in the evenings. I think if I knock this on the head and stick with the walking I should hopefully at least not gain too much more.

@DollyParton2 I’m about 5’6

I knew I had gained weight I think it’s just come as a real shock to see how much. I’ve read that 2 stone is about the average weight gain with most of it gained in the second half to see myself hit 2.5 stone so far has really upset me, but like I say, hopefully kicking the junk food will keep it in check!

Clean up your eating habits and increase activity levels to lose fat. Weight should not be your focus during pregnancy.

It's not recommended but I still fast. I used to do 20-22 hours fasted but now do 12-16 hours. I also still train using heavy weights although a lot less than I did pre-pregnancy. All good so far, 22+5wk now.

I wouldn't fast but certainly stop eating after dinner. And stop snacking.

If you give yourself the 12 hours from dinner to breakfast that's a nice rest for your body to burn fat. And then between your meals too.

Keep sugar and refined carbs low too. Nice healthy whole foods. X

Do not fast whilst pregnant- really not reccommended.
Eat better. Eat clean nutritious foods and cut out junk foods. Walk and swim (when pools open) that’s all you need to do right now.

Please don't fast, it's really not safe in pregnancy. Ketones can be dangerous for the baby.

As a previous poster said, a lot of the weight it fluid, placenta, baby, extra blood etc.

I think a lot of women gain weight in early pregnancy as you get cravings, sickness makes you want to eat bland/carby foods etc. For me, I'd gained two stone by about 24 weeks but my weight gain has really slowed down now and I'm 35 weeks.

Just eat healthily and walk/swim. Please don't fixate on it as your body is doing amazing things and growing a human.

@Teakind and @crispychicken12 you both mentioned ketones being dangerous during pregnancy- so you know if they are dangerous in breast milk? I’m not dieting during pregnancy but was planning to while breastfeeding and you’ve given me pause! Sorry if you don’t know but since you both mentioned it I hoped you would.

Sorry to jump on your post OP!

@Ginevere I’m not sure about breastfeeding and ketones. I’ve just googled it and it doesn’t seem to be advised. Kellymom is quite a good resource for questions like that and then don’t advise it until the baby is at least 8 weeks but preferably 6 months. kellymom.com/nutrition/mothers-diet/mom-lowcarb/

I’d be cautious of missing out a food group incase it impacted on nutrition and milk supply.

If you try to adopt a healthy diet and be active (just regular walking will do), it will really help you manage childbirth and you will lose the weight gained soon enough after pregnancy.

Thanks @Teakind, I’ll give that site a read as I really don’t want to do anything to risk the baby for my own vanity!

@ChuffingHeck I understand the fear you have that you've undone all your hard work, but now is not the time to be dieting! Perhaps look at it this way - two and a half stone isn't a huge amount to gain in pregnancy overall. So turn your focus to not gaining anymore - basically as if you've front-loaded your weight gain! If your midwife says it's okay for you to take moderate exercise (which is strongly advised in a normal pregnancy) get yourself out walking; maybe an hour a day while listening to an audiobook or something. As for meals, small healthy portions.

Don't forget to enjoy your pregnancy as well, though. It's an amazing experience and your body will change so much; embrace it and focus on health rather than weight

I’m getting married soon and don’t want to put any more non baby weight on so I’m just swapping all unhealthy snacks for healthy ones. Baby gets same amount of food but healthier! Also trying to walk more and do 2 Pilates classes a week plus now starting a weighted cardio one (instructor knows I’m pregnant so tailors it to me).

Slimming World is safe in pregnancy, but you do need to get the OK from your midwife to do it. Its approved by the RCOM.
You might want to check it out.

Totally feel your pain OP, after 2 previous massve babies and weight gain I had managed to get to about 9 stone and was feeling so fit and strong and slim when I unexpectedly fell pregnant.

I was initially determined not to put on too much weight but the first trimester was brutal and I ate buttered toast, pasta and chocolate all day every day to get through it...

Now feeling better in the 2nd trimester I'm trying to eat a bit better, more salad and fruit, less snacking in the evenings etc but I don't know how long I'll manage it.

I'm trying my best just to remember that I've lost the weight before, I CAN do it again if I have to. It would be nice be starting from a point of not having put on 3-4 stone though!

You can eat healthily eg try not to eat fried foods and sugary foods and do moderate exercise such as walking or whatever you can manage but you should fast or cut out any key food groups.

I’m doing Slimming World and have lost weight, I’m 12lbs down on my booking weight at 25 weeks. I’m a couple of stone heavier than you though so more to lose. I gained 3.5 stone the first time around and didn’t get it off successfully!

I was referred to slimming world by my midwife