If you are overweight when you get pregnant, you are at greater risk for complications. According to the National Institutes of Health, your weight also makes it more likely that you will have a hard delivery and need a cesarean section (C-section). For those reasons, you may consider losing weight while pregnant if your body mass index is too high. But pregnancy weight loss should be handled with care. In fact, in many cases, pregnancy weight loss may actually mean reduced pregnancy weight gain.
Is Losing Weight While Pregnant Safe?
The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology encourages women to reach a healthy weight before getting pregnant. According to the organization, even a small amount of weight loss can make a difference.
Losing weight before you become pregnant is the best way to decrease the risk of problems caused by obesity. Losing even a small amount of weight (5 to 7 percent of your current weight) can improve your overall health and pave the way for a healthier pregnancy.
But what if you get pregnant unexpectedly and your body mass index falls into the overweight or obese categories? Or what if you are following a healthy diet and exercise program for weight loss and you get pregnant before you reach your goal?
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