Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Please or to access all these features

Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Can I lose weight whilst pregnant?

12 replies

Bethandfreddie · 26/11/2023 20:18

Hi, so I'm a little overweight and would like to lose some but I've just found out I'm pregnant. I was doing a calorie deficit diet at 1500 cals a day, is that still safe to do?

I'm yet to have a midwife app since I'm only 4 weeks. Any help would be appreciated!

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Cloclo93 · 26/11/2023 20:24

I actually lost 2 stone in pregnancy but I had HG.. My whole pregnancy I survived on sucking ice and maybe a spoon full of baked beans a day. My baby was 7pounds and now a healthy 5 year old! So yeah I diet won't do no harm on your baby from my experience anyway I'm not a doctor

ASGIRC · 26/11/2023 20:28

You shouldnt try to lose weight on purpose, no.

But honestly, with first trimestre it might happen anyway, if you get a lot of nausea.

However, there are guidelines to how much weight you should put on during pregnancy, and if you are already overweight, it is recommended you dont gain as much as someone who is underweight or "regular" weight.

So you cans still keep an eye on your diet.
I think the "dont lose weight on purpose" is more so that people dont go on veruy restrictive dieats that will harm their babies.

You can talk to a nutricionist as well, for a plan that is complete, without putting your pregnancy at risk!

MixedCouple · 27/11/2023 01:20

No it is not safe and has potential risks.

I was over weight at 8 week apt. But you still.need to gain a certain amount. Postpartum by 8months I had lost 30kg from nursing! I am not 6 weeks pregnant and back to my pre baby weight.

ttcsolomumtobe · 27/11/2023 12:03

Some people do lose weight due to sickness or food aversion. I haven't been able to stomach sweet things bar a few ginger biscuits to help with sick feeling, this is alot of calories reduced as I would have a choc bar or 2 a day, a few cakes a week and sometimes an all out pancakes/waffles and chic topping kinda breakfast. I think with wise eating it can safely be done but my GP told me to eat while I can in prep for if I struggle with sickness

Quitelikeit · 27/11/2023 12:06

Honestly how people can say it’s unsafe is beyond me!

Some people don’t even eat 1500 calories a day pregnant or not and there’s no issues at all!

The advice telling people they must eat more whilst pregnant is what causes people to gain about three stone during pregnancy

bombastix · 27/11/2023 12:07

No. Just maintain a normal diet. The baby will take what it needs anyway and first. It's not time for a diet

Olika · 27/11/2023 12:13

I lost weight while pregnant but I discussed it with the doctors at the antenatal clinic beforehand. I did that by just eating healthier.

Winnipeggy · 27/11/2023 13:00

1500 calories is fine, you don't need extra calories until the 3rd trimester and even then only about 300 cals extra so the whole 'eating for 2' thing is a bit of a myth anyway. Just be sensible.

Plumful · 27/11/2023 13:03

On a separate note if this was unplanned start taking your folic acid pronto

shams05 · 27/11/2023 13:06

I was doing slimming world when I fell pregnant thie last time. I carried on and continued listing a pound a week until I was around 6 months pregnant after which I started putting weight back on.
My slimming world consultant knew I was pregnant and my midwife knew I was carrying on with slimming world. No issues.
Altogether whilst pregnant I put on 13lb.

vidflex · 27/11/2023 13:11

I was a couple of stone overweight when I fell pregnant. I was determined to not be silly and gain more weight during the pregnancy.

I didn't calorie count. I just ate very healthily. Lean meat and fish, lots of fruit and veg. I swam twice a week and walked more. I ended up being a stone lighter than when I fell pregnant at my six week postnatal check up.

Yardley42 · 27/11/2023 15:14

I have some personal experience here of losing weight and being pregnant and I would say 1500 is on the low side if you are significantly overweight (e.g. BMI 30+) but fine if you're only a little overweight (e.g. BMI 25+) - just as very rough guides, you'll know your body and where you're currently at best. I say that because if you're much bigger it will take more energy just moving around and living day-to-day.

But! Do not get obsessed with it. Listen to your body. I know how calorie counting gets, and it's fine as a basis for food planning but you can't let it get in your head and ignore your hunger or make you feel 'bad' if you go over.

While pregnant you will have times when you are ravenous (even while feeling nauseous!) and you must listen to that. The MOST important thing is that the baby gets the nutrition it needs, even if that's lots of food one day and less another. I ate loads in my first trimester and have little appetite in my third, it really varies.

I would suggest, if you're open to it, focusing on nutrition rather than calories. That's been my most successful way of losing weight (and I lost nearly 100 lbs doing it). Eat as much nutrient dense food as you feel you need - by which I don't just mean salads and veg, but healthy proteins and fats, like houmous and avocado, and full fats, and meat and fish. I used to avoid these things as too high in calories but that's not actually healthy. Don't think of calories being bad, but as being full of the energy your baby needs - but try to focus on calories that give you nutrition rather than 'empty' calories that don't (e.g. crisps and junk).

You'll find as you progress in the pregnancy that you have to take it easy on yourself sometimes and go with what the baby needs. Listen to how you're feeling and eat and act accordingly. Sometimes you will just be exhausted and need nourishment. You can lose weight safely while pregnant but not if you go to extremes, and only if it feels good to you.

I hope that helps x

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread