Can Pregnant Women Go On a Diet

Healthy - Weight gain in pregnant women is not unusual. Most of the additional weight is the weight of the fetus in the woman's stomach.

However, many women are still shocked and find it difficult to accept these changes. As a result, they undergo a strict diet as long as their weight can be maintained. However, is it safe for a pregnant woman to go on a diet?

Dieting for pregnant women is something that is not recommended at all. Because in some diet methods, there are usually rules to limit one or two types of food. This can cause pregnant women to experience malnutrition, aka lack of nutrition.

During pregnancy, adequate nutrition is needed for the mother and fetus. Adequate nutrition will determine and help how the fetus develops during pregnancy until delivery. Therefore, a pregnant woman is not allowed to go on a diet that has the potential to prevent adequate nutrition from being met.

Why does weight gain occur in pregnant women?

It is not just the presence of a fetus in the body that causes the weight of pregnant women to increase. When pregnant, the mother also needs a larger portion of food, namely for herself and for the fetus. Of course, this will also have an effect.

Rather than trying to diet, it is better for mothers to apply the right diet during pregnancy. It does not need to be too much but do not be excessively restricted either. Quoting the Baby Center website, even though mothers will be feeding two people, it does not mean they have to eat more.

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The reason is, a study revealed that pregnant women who eat too much and experience excessive weight gain during pregnancy can be dangerous. This condition can cause the baby to be born to have a weight that exceeds the normal limit and has the potential to experience complications for both parties.

A healthy diet that mothers can try during pregnancy is to maintain a balance of food types. In addition, start implementing frequent eating frequencies but with small portions. The point is, try not to hold back hunger for too long, because it can make it difficult for mothers to control their appetite and end up eating too much.

Also make sure the types of food that mothers consume are rich in nutrients. Such as fiber, vitamins and minerals that are needed by mothers and their babies. Start by consuming lots of nuts, wheat, vegetables and fruits.

Read More: Diet Tips for Pregnant Women with Obesity

A variety of food menus can also be a secret to keeping the pregnancy healthy. This means that mothers are advised to consume at least three types of foods that are rich in iron in one meal. Types of food that are sources of iron are cereals, spinach and meat.

For that, it is better to postpone plans to go on a diet until the mother gives birth. Because in fact the food consumed during pregnancy plays an important role in the development of the fetus. In addition, healthy food and fulfilled nutrition will be provisions for the mother in facing the pregnancy period until preparation for childbirth.

Just believe, the mother's weight will return to normal and decrease over time after giving birth. The busyness of taking care of the baby can also be a way to restore the mother's weight. So enjoy all the processes that the mother experiences during pregnancy.