Weight Loss and Exercise During Pregnancy

[earthie_mama]

I have heard differing opinions on this. Here's my situation: I weigh close to 200 pounds and am only 5'4" During my last pregnancy I had gestational diabetes, and I am 30 pounds over my previous pre-pregnancy weight. I would like to lose weight, is it safe to do so during pregnancy?? I have terrible self control and portion control, so I am currently working on just eating the right portion sizes. I am vegan, so as long as I stay away from the frying pan, my diet is pretty low in fat. However, I am a carb addict. What is the minimum safe amount of carbohydrates I can take in? Also, how much exerciese is safe? What about weight training? Any other suggestions? I am not planning on losing a lot of weight or anything just a little fitter would be nice. I had a hard pregnancy last time, and slacked off afterwards, so I know this one will be miserable if I don't act now!

[Zaxmama]

Hello, I could have written your post nearly word for word. I am due in Jan07 also..:) with my second child. and I am 5ft 3in and currently 206lbs. I recently lost 12lbs on Weight Watchers..and I plan to continue. I know my weight is unhealthy and I also get Gestational DIabetes.. I plan on watching my sugar and carb intake but eating a healthy balanced diet and just upping my points about 5 a day.. I figure I have 9 months to lose about 30lbs safely while I am growing a new life..the baby will take what it needs first and I will never ever starve myself. I figure lots of water and moderate exercise will also be good for me..I really want to be healthy and not use my pregnancy as a time to "go nuts" so if you need a "buddy" PM me..:)

Namaste
Zaxmama:wink

[Meg_s]

Hm.. this could be controversial.. the whole carbs issue, but it's what I believe in so....

First of all there is a pregnancy thread on a low carb forum I belong to. You can safely consume 20-50 carbs throughout your pregnancy, and given that your food is high quality (of course) it is perfectly safe for the baby. There is a lot of discussion re: carb level in there
http://forum.lowcarber.org/forumdisplay.php?f=95
I suggest reading the "are you pregnant and needing help with your goals? come join our group!!!" From the beginning. One user in particular, Tigersue, is/was similar in size and stature to you and had a VERY healthy pregnancy and baby while losing a little weight. A lot of women keep their gestational diabetes in check through proper diet (low carb).

*I* weigh 190 and I'm 5 10, at this point I think I am 2 mos pregnant and intend NOT to gain any weight for the remainder of the pregnancy, until the end maybe. I will consume plenty of high quality calories and healthy food - just not excessive carbs. I'll also exercise almost daily. I think the only hard thing is that really sometimes we are at the mercy of our hormones. Last pregnancy I had severe depression and gained a lot of weight, after the baby popped out I was 60 lbs heavier than when I started. I'm not over my PPD but am determined to have a healthier pregnancy in terms of taking care of my body out of necessity because I have a spirited 8 month old. I would not have been able to take care of him in the condition I was at the end of the last pregnancy so I'm biking, walking, and seriously weight training now and will continue to do so until the end! (barring any unfortunates like mandatory bed rest etc.)

Ohhhhhhh I just read your post again, you're vegan!! Hm, from MY point of view that makes things more difficult.. but I stand by my stance of low carb being best for pregnancy and life in general. I believe in nutrition and exercise greatly contributing to the ease of birth (mine was 2.5 hours, first baby, at home.. pretty easy as far as births go).

BEST OF LUCK with your health an dpregnancy fitness!!! And remember to keep the protein high, it's one of the most important things in preventing pre-E, and fats are so so soooooooo imporant to the healthy development of your baby.

[veganmomma]

Hi earthie_mama,
I am also vegan. I am 5'10 and weight 238. I am due 2/16/07 with #3. I have lost 15 pounds in the last three months. Basically, dh and I have been following Dr. Joel Furhman's book Eat To Live. I plan to continue following it as best I can during pregnancy. I would like to come to the end of this pregnancy having gained little or no weight. So far I'm going great. I've lost 5 pounds since becoming pregnant. I have been concerned about gest. diab., but so far have been able to avoid it.

Basically, what we eat are fresh raw green vegetables, tofu, beans, some cooked veggies, and 2 oz of nuts a day. I thought this would be difficult, but really it's been really easy to follow. Sure I've had a few cravings that I've let myself have, but even so this way of eating does work.

Hope I am not too difficult to understand...since being preg this time I feel like a raving idiot who can't get her point across!

Oh, and I am beginng a pregnancy pilates and yoga video that I will be doing hopefully every day, and walking on the treadmill for 20-30 mins a day.

[queenamy]

I know that some feel, if one is over weight then loosing a lil weight isnt too bad.... but DO eat of course. and as long as baby keep measuring fine i think ur ok!! :)

[Arwyn]

The focus should be on eating healthily (including good portion size, neither stuffing yourself nor going hungry) and getting fit through movement, not on weight loss. If you eat well and exercise, you may lose weight during pregnancy, and that's probably fine, but it shouldn't be a goal while gestating.

Healthy = good goal. Weight loss = bad goal. But it's ok if it happens while working on health.

[nurture]

hey there to be mothers!its necessary to keep fit and to exercise during your pregnancy days.it is both beneficial to your own health and to your baby's health.it will even help you if you choose to deliver normally.however you have to bear in mind that there are certain exercises that are just not suitable to be practised while you are pregnant. i found this on the forum below, im posting the link here:
http://www.imsickofbeingfat.com/forum/2880-physical-activities-shud-avoided-during-pregnancy.html
it would be nice to have a go at it, and you may even get important pointers which will help you through out your pregnancy!

[jchinique]

You can still count your "points" and track the weight watchers way. I'd recommend seeing a nutritionist to determine your ideal caloric intake and the types of foods you should be eating.

Google Dr. Tom Brewer or the Brewer pregnancy diet for a quick list of essential foods to eat every day.