Lose Weight While Your Pregnant

 I was recently interviewed by Aaptiv, the world’s original Audio Fitness App,  and asked if it was safe to lose weight during pregnancy. Read more below.

If you’re worried about gaining pregnancy weight, then you’re not alone. In fact, some women experience concerns about pregnancy weight gain, so they try to get a head start on postpartum weight loss. Others may already have started a weight loss regimen pre-pregnancy and want to know if it’s safe to keep it up. But, is it safe to lose weight while pregnant? We’ve turned to prenatal and postpartum specialists to give us the answer.

The answer to this common question depends on your weight prior to your pregnancy. Your body needs some extra support, so to speak, as the baby grows, so typical weight gain is normal.” Dahlas Fletcher, pre and postnatal exercise specialist at Fitness explains,

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“Weight loss during pregnancy would only be beneficial for women who are extremely overweight or obese. For the health of you and your baby, you may want to skip trying to lose weight while pregnant, but that doesn’t mean that you should stop exercising.”

However, you need to consult your doctor first before making any decisions. If your doctor does deem it safe for you to lose weight while pregnant, then he or she can determine how much is appropriate. Usually, this will be based on your Body Mass Index (BMI). Your doctor will also keep you under strict supervision to monitor both your process and baby’s growth. Obesity during pregnancy can be a risk factor to your baby’s health in utereo and in the formative years learn more.

While it is not advisable to try and lose weight while pregnant, unless approved by your doctor, exercise is still important to keep healthy and fit. Cunningham says, “During your first trimester, most workouts are still okay, as long as you’re cleared by your doctor. However, you never want to start something new once you find out you’re pregnant because of unwanted stress it can put on your body.”

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“Beginners should start by exercising ten minutes at a time and slowly build up to 30 minutes a day for three to five days per week, ” recommends Fletcher. “Don’t go for the burn, and don’t exercise to exhaustion.”

In the second trimester, Cunningham advises that you stay away from supine movements, that is, exercises such as push-ups, planks, crunches, and sit-ups. You don’t want to increase the risk of diastasis recti, which refers to a bulge or “pooch” in the stomach.

You also need to make sure that the exercises you do are pelvic floor safe. Aaptiv Trainer Cunningham says, “You have to pay attention to impact or really wide lateral movements towards the second/third trimester, due to relaxin and other hormonal shifts and increases occurring, ” she says. “Relaxin, in particular, is released to aid in pelvic expansion in our hips for actual labor, but can cause unwanted dislocations, as well, if you do too much prior to.” So try swimming or low-impact aerobics classes for cardio. Water aerobics is also a really great option, not to mention fun!

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But, make sure you don’t neglect strength training. Building your strength is so important, especially while you’re pregnant. As Fletcher highlights, mothers have a lot of carrying to do—groceries, boxes of diapers, and a baby (or two). Strength training can really help prepare you for this. Not only that but, as bone density decreases during pregnancy, resistance training is a really efficient way of maintaining it. So, make sure you fit in a mix of cardio and strength training to get a well-rounded workout.

Don’t try and work on getting your heart rate up as you probably would have prior to being pregnant; this should not be your main concern. As Fletcher says, “The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists guidelines advise [that] you should be able to hold a conversation during any form of pregnancy exercise.”

But, if you are feeling out of breath faster than usual, don’t worry; this is completely normal! “During pregnancy, your blood volume increases, so your heart has to work a bit harder to distribute oxygen to you and your baby, ” she explains. “[This] increases breathlessness.”

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You definitely should not be restricting your calories as a way to lose weight while pregnant. In fact, Fletcher explains that for the average woman, “Being pregnant means you need approximately 300 extra calories a day … pregnant women also need at least 15 percent more protein daily.” Cunningham agrees, “You will have to increase your intake somewhat as you progress through the pregnancy, due to feeding more than yourself.”

Your focus should be on nutrients and eating a balanced diet. “Remember [that] your baby is getting everything you ingest, for the most part, ” Cunningham explains. “So, make smart choices.” Steer clear of processed foods, and lean towards nutrient-dense whole foods, like fruits and vegetables. “Healthy fats, like avocados, olive oil, lean proteins, [and] complex carbs, like sweet potatoes and oats, are all great options.”

Try eating before and after exercise, within a 30-minute window, as well. According to Fletcher, this will help stabilize your blood sugar levels while preventing nausea. So, don’t skip out on meals!

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Fletcher reminds, “Above all, listen to [and trust] your body. Stay within a zone that is safe for you and your baby. Your motherly instincts start now, so believe in them.”

It is paramount that you consult your doctor before pursuing a weight-loss journey or any activity while pregnant. If you are at a healthy weight prior to pregnancy, then you shouldn’t try to lose weight while pregnant. However, it is still important to exercise and eat nourishing foods.

If you are looking for a safe and effective way to start your pregnancy exercise journey. Join my online pregnancy and postpartum membership THE BFAB METHOD.

Is It Normal To Lose Weight During Pregnancy?

Dahlas Fletcher is one of Australia’s most respected and successful certified and experienced Pregnancy and Female Fitness Trainers. Her goal is to help you be the happiest, most fabulous version of yourself, inside and out.When you’re pregnant, it’s important to eat enough to give your developing baby the vital nutrients they need to grow strong. Most doctors encourage women to gain a little weight during their pregnancy, but what should you do if you already have obesity?

Women with obesity have a greater risk of pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. Their babies also have a higher risk of premature birth and certain birth defects. In the past, doctors didn’t want to promote weight loss during pregnancy for women with obesity because they were afraid it would hurt the baby. But new research shows that women with obesity can safely exercise and diet to lose weight without any negative impact on their baby’s well-being.

If you have obesity, you can still have a healthy pregnancy and delivery. Read on to find out tips for how to lose weight safely and effectively during pregnancy.

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Found that women with obesity who were offered diet and exercise counseling during their pregnancy had better outcomes for both mother and baby. The women received information on eating a balanced diet, keeping a food diary, and engaging in light physical activity like walking.

The study found that these interventions, especially dietary changes, were associated with a 33 percent reduced risk of preeclampsia and a 61 percent reduced risk of gestational diabetes. Eating healthfully also reduced the risk for gestational hypertension and preterm delivery.

You’re considered to have obesity if you have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. BMI is calculated using your height and weight. You can enter your information and find out your BMI with an

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These problems can also happen to any pregnant woman, whether she has obesity or not. But with a higher BMI, the risk increases.

Whatever you do, do it in moderation. Now isn’t the time to experiment with a strict fad diet or an intense exercise program.

Talk to your doctor before you begin an exercise program while pregnant. They can help you come up with a routine and answer any questions you may have. Your doctor can also refer you to a dietitian or trainer for assessment and personalized advice on healthy eating and exercise during pregnancy.

How To Lose Weight While Pregnant (the Safe & Healthy Way)

Pregnancy can be a great time to start an exercise program and change your diet. Pregnant women are more likely to visit their doctor on a regular basis and ask a lot of questions. They also tend to be highly motivated to change their lifestyle in order to keep their baby healthy.

You should start any new exercise slowly, and build up gradually over time. Begin with just five or 10 minutes of exercise each day. Add five more minutes the next week.

Your ultimate goal is to stay active for roughly 30 to 45 minutes each day. Walking and swimming are both excellent choices for people new to exercise. They’re both gentle on the joints.

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An online food journal is a great way to make sure you’re getting adequate nutrients and drinking enough water every day. You can determine whether or not your diet includes too much sugar or sodium,