If you are overweight or simply concerned about how your body may change during pregnancy, you may be considering a diet to lessen the weight gain. Dieting during pregnancy is not safe, but you can make healthy choices to keep yourself from gaining more weight than what is needed for your baby's nourishment.
Healthy Weight
During pregnancy, you should gain about 25 to 37 pounds if you are already a healthy weight. According to the American Pregnancy Association, you should gain 15 to 25 pounds if you are overweight before you get pregnant. Some weight gain is inevitable due to the weight of the baby, placenta and amniotic fluid in your body. While it is normal to lose some weight in the beginning of your pregnancy due to morning sickness, you can expect to gain one to two pounds in the first trimester and one pound every week for the last six months of your pregnancy.
Dieting Safety
If you diet during your pregnancy and do not gain weight, your baby may grow poorly and is at an increased risk for being born prematurely or with a low birth weight. The extra weight you gain is stored in your body to nourish your developing baby in the womb and while breastfeeding after delivery. The American Pregnancy Association states that babies born to moms who did not gain at least 20 pounds during pregnancy are considered small for their gestational age and may be malnourished.
Nutrition
Although weight gain is necessary for a healthy pregnancy, you can still choose to eat healthy and avoid gaining unnecessary weight. The basic principles of eating a balanced diet complete with fruit, vegetables, whole grains, protein and dairy still apply during pregnancy. You need extra nutrients, such as folic acid, iron and calcium from food sources and about 2,500 calories a day. Babycenter states that your blood sugar can drop during pregnancy, causing you to feel hungry more often. Eat regular meals and snacks and avoid junk food to help keep your body healthy.
Considerations
Your nutritional needs and weight gain expectancy may be different if you are starting your pregnancy underweight or if you are pregnant with multiples. If you are unsure how to approach your eating habits, talk to your doctor. He can help you determine an eating plan that is best for your situation.
