Pregnancy is usually associated with weight gain to accommodate a growing baby, but not all women do gain weight. Some women actually lose weight during pregnancy, which may be alarming. Weight loss during pregnancy can have multiple causes, some of which are more serious than others. Use caution to ensure you are consuming a healthy diet and see your doctor on a regular basis to monitor your weight.
Trimesters
Weight loss during the first trimester of pregnancy is not usually considered a problem. Morning sickness can reduce your appetite in the first trimester, which can lead to losing a few pounds. Very little weight gain is necessary in the first trimester, especially if you began pregnancy at a normal weight or overweight. The fetus gains the most weight in the second and third trimesters. Even if you lose weight in the first trimester, you can still gain more later in the pregnancy.
Starting Weight
How much weight you need to gain during pregnancy depends on what you weighed before pregnancy. Women who are underweight at the beginning of pregnancy need to gain 28 to 40 lb., and therefore may not be able to afford to lose weight during the pregnancy. However, women who are overweight before pregnancy only need to gain as little as 15 lb., and weight loss early in pregnancy may not be dangerous.
Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Some women experience a more extreme version of morning sickness, called hyperemesis gravidarum. While normal morning sickness involves nausea and occasional vomiting, it usually disappears at the end of the first trimester. In hyperemesis gravidarum, it persists through the entire pregnancy and includes severe, frequent vomiting. This would lead to weight loss and can be very serious because frequent vomiting causes dehydration, which presents risks to the baby. This condition needs to be carefully monitored by your doctor; hospitalization may be required to provide intravenous fluids for rehydration.
Dieting
Dieting during pregnancy for the sole purpose of losing weight is not recommended. You need more calories during pregnancy to support your baby's growth and development. Although restricting calories is not healthy during pregnancy, it is important to choose calories wisely. Choose foods with a high level of nutrients, such as a variety of fruits and vegetables and lean protein. Avoid excess calories, especially from junk food, as they could lead to unhealthy weight gain later.
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