Dieting During a Pregnancy
If you’re trying to lose weight while you’re pregnant, or simply trying to gain a healthy amount of weight to accommodate your growing baby, it’s extremely important to know how dieting during pregnancy affects your baby, according to Jaime Burelson, founder and CEO of Birth Without Fear, an online destination for pregnancy and parenting information and support.
Weight gain during pregnancy is normal, says Burelson, but too much can mean “potential risks for the baby”, including a preterm birth. Burelson tells us that it’s normal to gain an average of about 25 to 35 pounds during pregnancy, but it’s essential to listen to your body when it comes to weight gain. “In most cases, if a woman is gaining the recommended amount of weight to support a healthy pregnancy, then she doesn't need to be concerned,” she says.
If you’re trying to lose weight, Burelson stresses that, while it’s never recommended to avoid foods altogether during pregnancy, you need to be very careful about what you eat. “You're only human and you want to be able to enjoy the foods you love while you're pregnant,” she says, so you need to read the labels and know what the ingredients are.
Eating Foods with a high fat content, like nuts, seeds and avocados, may be better than going hungry, because a little fat can help the baby keep its energy levels stable, according to Burelson. These foods are also a great source of vitamins and minerals that are good for both the mother and baby.
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