should i lose weight prior to getting pregnant?

Question

I would love to shed like 20 pounds to get closer to my ideal weight. I've just been really down lately about the way I look. I just got a new job that takes away my volleyball time altogether and any other time to work out. I've just been eating unhealthy and not being active. I know I'm doing it to myself, but now I have a motivator. I've started the prenatal vitamins and watching what I'm eating. Is it actually possible to lose weight while in your first part of pregnancy?

Answer 1

If you are overweight it would be a good idea. It would lesson your chances of getting gestational diabetes...

Answer 2

It is possible to lose weight when you're pregnant - but not healthy for the baby. Your OB will determine a good pregnancy weight gain for you.

What's best is - don't try to lose weight. Or think about weight at all. Just concentrate on the important things. Drink plenty of water - even if you get morning sickness, always drink even just sips of water as often as you can. Rule of thumb is at least 8 - 8oz glasses of water a day. This will help baby grow, and keep you from getting constipated & dehydrated.
Also, concentrate more on eating right. Don't eat chips, lunchmeat, or any white breads. Switch to whole grain. I personally like multi grain - more meaty. Eat plenty of fruits & vegetables (I actually get cravings for strawberry spinach salad). Eat lean, fully cooked meats. Yuuummmm...steak on the grill. Always well done! No pink!

I actually lost 50 pounds on the south beach diet last summer. Got down to a size 6. Was pretty happy about it. Then, found out I was pregnant with twins. So, instead of paying attention to the scales (I turn my head) - I concentrate on continuing to eat healthy. And - I am getting a super great reward...my OB keeps telling me that my weight is good (never heard that before), my babies are healthy & active, my skin is completely glowing, my skin has continued to be clear, and I'm not worried so much about my previous jean size - just looking forward to having healthy babies!

Answer 3

It depends on how much you weigh, if you're close to your goal weight you're OK. It's pretty normal to lose some weight during your first trimester because you can't really keep anything down (for the women that have bad morning sickness). as long as you're eating healthy and try to stay active with approved activities, like walking and yoga or modified pilates or swimming (i'm not sure about this, don't quote me). Go see your OB/GYNE to make sure you're within the healthy range for your height and age and frame.

I'm in the same situation, went to the doc and she told me that losing weight will help me go through pregnancy easier and if I'm more fit I'll have an easier delivery. Every 10 lbs lost helps quiet a lot!

Good Luck!!!!

Answer 4

losing weight before you get pregnant is actually VERY important BUT... that depends on how big you are if you are mildly obese or worse then yes definitely because you will probably get worse throughout pregnancy and it will make it worse for you during and after, if you're only a lightweight say 60kg and under -just shape up to strengthen your body for pregnancy but over 80kg lose some for sure, alot of health problems could arise from being overweight and adding the strain of a pregnancy also, like high blood pressure and diabetes,also not good for the heart...good luck

Answer 5

if you are slightly overweight or the correct weight for your height than definently not. If you are 20 or more pounds over weight id say loosing 5 to ten before getting pregnant will make it easier to lose weight after giving birth. If you are underweight Id say meat up just a little your baby needs food. Lastly contact your doctor (s)he is the best source for this information and more

Answer 6

If you can that would not be bad but do it in a healthy way. Nothing to faddy.

Also if you are really trying actively to get pregnant get prenatal vitamins and take them now. I was told by my wifes GYN it can help sure cant hurt. And you need to do it 2 times a week at least

Though I suggest practice practice practice

Answer 7

If you are overweight now, it would be a good idea to drop some weight. I have had 5 children and it is harder to lose the extra weight that you may have before becoming pregnant. It would be a good idea to speak to your doctor to dicuss what your ideal weight would be. Let him or her know what your plans are and I'm sure your doctor could tell you the safest way to lose those unwanted pounds. Good luck!

Answer 8

Not unless you are so overweight that it is having physical affects on you. If so then I would say it would be wise to shed a few pounds, then you would be healthier for your baby! On the other hand if you really want to loose weight for apearence reasons, you might want to get started because you will gain weight while you are pregnant. An average woman gains 30-35 lbs while pregnant! :)

Answer 9

Depends upon your weight... your doctor should tell you if he thinks that your not in prime health for conception. Weight is a factor in how your pregnancy progresses particulary if you are obese. Extra weight increases the chance of miscarriage because your body is already working harder to maintain a weight it wasn't designed for.
Studies indicate obesity doubles a woman's chances of having a baby with neural tube defects, and even adequate folic acid intake does not fully protect against the increase in risk.

Compared with normal-weight women, obese women have a greater risk of developing complications during pregnancy. Their babies are also more likely to be admitted to neonatal intensive care units.

Answer 10

If you are overweight, I say definitely try to lose the weight before you get pregnant. Once you are pregnant, you will not be able to diet and may not be able to exercise as strenuously as when you're not pregnant. Also, many women experience not just odd cravings, but very intense cravings for grease and sugar.

My wife had one baby, and is 30 lbs over what she was pre-pregnancy- and she was already 30 lbs overweight then! It just seems so much harder for her now.

Answer 11

Yeah you should try reach a healthy weight before getting pregnant. If you keep eating right you probably will still lose fat while preg, but it will be replaced by baby weight so you won't be able to tell till afterwards.