Why do individuals lose weight when they get pregnant?

Some expectant moms may experience an increase in metabolic rate, which increases energy burn even while they are resting. Morning sickness may cause weight loss or limit normal weight growth during pregnancy by increasing metabolism and decreasing food intake.

Is it usual to lose weight at the end of pregnancy?

You stop gaining weight. At the end of your pregnancy, you may begin to lose weight. This is totally normal and will not affect the baby's weight. This weight reduction might be attributed to decreasing amniotic fluid levels, more toilet breaks, and greater physical activity.

Why Am I Losing Weight While Pregnant,Weight Loss in Pregnancy: Common Causes and What to Do

Soon-to-be mothers and their physicians often discuss pregnancy weight increases. After all, it is recommended that women gain 25 to 35 pounds during pregnancy, depending on their BMI. But what if you lose weight while pregnant? This is something that can happen. Pregnancy weight loss may be natural or cause worry, depending on when and how it happens.

Can You Lose Weight During Pregnancy?

In general, no pregnant woman should aim to reduce weight on purpose, even if she is overweight. According to research, attempting to lose weight during pregnancy increases the chance of difficulties for the baby.

If you are overweight or obese while pregnant, your doctor will advise you on how to manage your weight throughout pregnancy to minimise any issues. While weight loss during pregnancy is not encouraged, it is conceivable that you may lose weight while pregnant, even if it is unintentional.

Losing Weight In The First Trimester

According to doctors, most women gain just 0.5 to 2.2 kg in the

first three months of pregnancy

, so if you're losing weight in your first trimester, don't panic. Morning sickness-related hunger loss is also a prevalent cause of pregnancy weight loss.

Weight loss during pregnancy is also possible if you exercise regularly and consume better meals for yourself and your baby. If that's the case, you may need a few additional calories throughout the day to maintain your rapidly developing baby, depending on your weight and BMI.

In rare cases, pregnancy weight loss that is gradual and/or excessive may indicate hyperemesis gravidarum, a condition characterised by severe morning nausea. This includes vomiting more than five times a day, severe stomach discomfort, and/or symptoms of dehydration. You may also be urinating infrequently, have black urine, and feel weak or dizzy. If you have any of these symptoms or cannot keep anything down, contact your doctor.

Weight Loss during Late Pregnancy

Weight loss in the

third trimester

might be particularly concerning. Losing weight during pregnancy at this late stage might be due to inadequate foetal development, limited amniotic fluid, pregnancy-induced hypertension or preeclampsia. If you are losing weight beyond the first trimester, contact your physician. It might be anything as simple as changes in daily water retention.

What To Do If You're Losing Weight While Pregnant?

Talk to your doctor if you're losing weight during pregnancy, feeling dizzy or weak, or can't get rid of your nausea or vomiting. This is essential at any point throughout your pregnancy, but it is particularly vital in the second or third trimester. Your doctor will seek to determine the reason (possibly via lab testing) and then propose the best course of action based on their findings. In nausea, the antidote might be as easy as an over-the-counter supplement like vitamin B6, or a prescription drug. IV fluids are often used to treat dizziness and weakness.

Aside from that, eating carefully is essential for preserving health and preventing weight loss when pregnant. Keep these techniques in mind:

Eat smaller meals and spread them out
Avoid foods and odours that disgust you
Eat a little something—like crackers—right after you wake up in the morning.
Take your prenatal vitamins religiously
Add roughly 300 additional calories each day, depending on your weight and BMI; the best way to do this is with nutritious snacks between meals
Stay hydrated

Even outside of pregnancy, most people find it difficult to discuss their weight. When you include the responsibility for your baby's health, controlling, gaining, and reducing weight throughout pregnancy may be stressful and emotional. But don't give up, and remember that your prenatal care team is the greatest resource for concerns about pregnancy weight monitoring, management, and loss.

How Much Weight Should You Gain When Pregnant And Overweight or Obese?

If you started your pregnancy with too much weight for your height, you are not alone. More than 50% of pregnant women are overweight or obese.

If your pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) was 25 to 29.9, you are considered overweight. (Your BMI is an estimate of body fat based on your height and weight.) You are deemed obese if your BMI is 30 or more.

How much you gain during pregnancy is determined by your BMI

If your BMI is 25 to 29.9, it is suggested that you gain 6-11 kg by the conclusion of your pregnancy, or 0.5 to 1 kg every month throughout your second and third trimester.
If you have a BMI of 30 or higher: You should gain 5- 10 kg throughout pregnancy.

Though it is not healthy to lose weight during pregnancy, if you are overweight or obese, you may be able to gain less than the required amount with the help of your healthcare professional and regular monitoring.

Can You Diet To Lose Weight When Pregnant?

Pregnancy is not the time to start a weight-loss regimen, regardless of your current weight. Restricting your food consumption may be harmful to both you and your growing baby. You must consume enough calories and nutrients to maintain a healthy pregnancy and infant.

Also, avoid carbohydrate-restricted diets like keto and Atkins. Your growing baby needs carbs, and the ketosis generated by these diets might damage a developing foetus.

During pregnancy, you may keep your weight gain under control by

eating healthy

and exercising frequently. Maintain a healthy diet with balanced meals and snacks.

Stay hydrated by consuming around ten glasses of water every day.
Choose complex carbohydrates, such as beans, fruits and vegetables, and whole grains, over simple carbohydrates, such as white bread, rice, or pasta.
Monitor your weight with your doctor to ensure you're on track.

Weight Loss During Pregnancy: Warning Symptoms

Losing weight in the second or third trimester may indicate a problem. Weight loss may be safe in certain situations (for example, as a consequence of water loss after transient retention), but you should notify your doctor.

They will evaluate your food and exercise patterns and enquire about symptoms such as nausea, heartburn, bloating, and constipation, all of which might naturally deter pregnant women from eating. Your doctor may also want to check you for depression or foetal growth restriction.

Also, notify your provider right away if you have a rapid weight reduction, such as 2 kg in a week.

FAQs on Why You Might Be Losing Weight While Pregnant?

Why do individuals lose weight when they get pregnant?
Some expectant moms may experience an increase in metabolic rate, which increases energy burn even while they are resting. Morning sickness may cause weight loss or limit normal weight growth during pregnancy by increasing metabolism and decreasing food intake.
Is it usual to lose weight at the end of pregnancy?
You stop gaining weight. At the end of your pregnancy, you may begin to lose weight. This is totally normal and will not affect the baby's weight. This weight reduction might be attributed to decreasing amniotic fluid levels, more toilet breaks, and greater physical activity.