Dieting Before Pregnancy
from Lose Weight Reviews

Be wary of dieting before pregnancy

When faced with the thought of having to gain approximately 30 pounds throughout her pregnancy, many women think it is a good idea to get in shape first. And while it sounds like a good idea, you need to be careful.

Many women who diet before pregnancy have a problem with gaining too much weight during the pregnancy itself. There are numerous risks to dieting before pregnancy and then gaining too much weight during the pregnancy itself. Gaining too much weight during the pregnancy puts the mother at a higher risk of needing a C-section, a higher risk of pregnancy-related blood pressure problems like preeclampsia, and even puts the baby at risk for growth problems.

Eating For One Vs. Eating For Two

When dieting before pregnancy, many women are making a conscious effort to control their weight. They are counting calories, following diet plans, or doing yo-yo dieting. However, once they become pregnant the fall in to the trap of “eating for two” and are more likely to indulge their cravings – even if those cravings are for hot fudge sundaes.

The University of North Carolina looked at over 1200 women who had recently become pregnant. About half had followed some form of a diet plan. Some of them were normal-weight, others overweight, and some even obese, but they all head one thing in common – they gained more weight during their pregnancy than the other half of the group that did not diet beforehand. And not only did they gain more, but they also gained more than their doctors recommended – putting their babies and themselves at risk.

How Much To Eat

If you are dieting before pregnancy, it is important to remember that eating for two does not mean 3 extra meals a day. During the first trimester normal-weight women do not need any extra calories to support the pregnancy.

During the second trimester, normal-weight women need approximately 340 extra calories per day. And during the third trimester, normal-weight women need approximately 450 extra calories per day. To put this into perspective, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich will have around 300-400 calories in it.

Eating Disorders

Dieting before pregnancy can also be a problem if you are dieting but do not have a weight problem. Women who are underweight prior to getting pregnant but are still on a diet plan often have the opposite problem – they gain too little weight. They are also more likely to have an eating disorder that can sabotage their health or the health of their child.

It is important to remember that getting too few calories is just as bad as getting too many. Women are instead encouraged to eat nutrient-dense foods throughout their pregnancy.

If gaining weight is a problem, either because you have problems gaining enough or gaining too much, you can ask your doctor to send you to a nutritionist.

Besides assisting with the issues associated with dieting before pregnancy, a nutritionist can help you come up with a food plan that provides you and the baby with all the nutrients necessary to sustain a healthy pregnancy.

Trust that you found this dieting before pregnancy article useful.

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