Weight loss / weight control during pregnancy

[mummybeast]

I am getting some very conflicting advice over whether I should be continuing with weight loss program (slow but permanent I hope) while pregnant. :confused:

I have been following a very sensible eating program with frequent gentle exercise for some time, with good results. I am a diet-controlled diabetic, and with previous pregnancies I feel that poor advice on this matter has led to very bad weight gain (too scary to put a figure on) which has had other health complications.

My GP says don't stress about it unless I put heaps on, but others say definately not to even try, others say keep going :confused:

Does anyone have any recent info I might be able to refer to on this?

[littlepickle]

Hi there!
From what I have been told by docs and books, the key thing here is a balanced diet. I think it would be ok to continue with your diet provided that it is balanced and contains enough calories for you and your growing bub. Some people do go on a healthy diet while pregnant for the sake of thei growing bub particularly if their diet was considered unhealthy before. I think the iam is not to lose weight but at the same time not to gain excessive weight. I have always been an eratic eater, I never usually eat breakfast, I skip meals and eat on the run and dont eat enough fresh fruits and vegetables and wholegrains etc. Since finding out I was pregnant, I have started making sure I have a healthy breakfast, along with lots of good fruit and veges, so I am in effect eating more than before but the food I am eating is better for me.
I think you will know, and your body will tell you what it needs, As long as you are eating regular healthy meals and not restricting your kilojoules below the recommended daily intake for pregnant women, I couldnt see there being a problem. Of course, I am no expert, I am just offering an opinion. Have you spoken to your doctor or obstetricial or a dietician, they might be able to give you a more educated answer.
I hope you have a wonderful pregnancy!

[andrewsmum]

Agree with Little Pickle, a balanced diet (the one you are on now sounds fine) is the way to go.

I wouldn't worry too much about the conflicting information. You continue with your current diet plan (being a diabetic - you can't change it) and don't worry too much. You will gain weight throughout the pregnancy regardless.

The CSIRO wellbeing book has heaps of useful information and also some good recipes in there! BTW I'm no expert though.

[aardvark]

I was overweight still from #2 before I conceived #3.

This pregnancy I have stuck to a low GI diet, but not restricted quantities, just made sensible choices. I eat from a wide variety of wholefoods, unprocessed foods and fresh produce.

I'm 32+ weeks now, and my weight has been stable for the last 6 weeks, and my obstetrician is very pleased with the fact I haven't gained too much.

Previous pregnancies I gained 30 kg each time. This time I have gained no more than 10 so far.

[mummybeast]

Thanks everyone.

I am following much the same eating plan as Aardvark.

I suppose it is just so early in the piece (only 7 weeks with #3) that I am probably being more concerned about it than really warrants! I just don't want to end up in the same boat as previously with huge weight gain no matter what I did.