During pregnancy, the extra nutrient recommendations and the growing baby contribute to some weight gain. Even if you are overweight, weight gain during pregnancy is still important. To minimize unnecessary weight gain, you may decide to diet and lose weight while trying to get pregnant. It is important to understand how to diet safely while you are trying to conceive.
Benefits
Your weight plays an important role in conception. If you are overweight and trying to conceive, you may have irregular cycles and have a difficult time predicting ovulation. If you conceive while at your ideal weight, it can help reduce the risks of developing some pregnancy complications, such as hypertension and gestational diabetes.
Safety
Although dieting while you try to get pregnant has some benefits, avoid following a restrictive diet that limits your consumption of nutrients like protein and carbohydrates. Try to lose weight at a rate of about 1 to 2 lbs. a week. Losing weight rapidly or following an extreme weight loss plan can deplete your body's storage of nutrients necessary in pregnancy. You need a varied balance of all nutrients to encourage the development of your baby in early pregnancy.
Diet and Exercise
You can safely lose weight by following a diet plan that includes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products and protein. The number of calories you need varies according to your weight and activity level, so talk to your doctor before you begin counting calories to make sure you are still getting enough. You can also try exercising most days of the week with activities like swimming, walking and yoga.
Considerations
If you are trying to get pregnant, take a prenatal vitamin daily. A prenatal vitamin will contain a balance of vitamins and nutrients that reflect your increased needs during pregnancy. You need 400 to 800 micrograms folic acid a day during pregnancy to help reduce the risk of birth defects, such as spina bifida. Some birth defects occur in the early weeks of pregnancy before you even know that you are pregnant, so it is important to start taking a prenatal vitamin regularly if there is a chance you could get pregnant.
