We are trying to get pregnant. I have lost over 50 pounds and am amprehensive about gaining weight again. Can you do low carb and be preganant? HELP???

Kelly K.
Heathly Mom to a 1 year old

I believe the current wisdom is that women who are pregnant should not be in ketosis, because there haven't been enough studies done to confirm it's safety for a developing fetus. And it's not generally advised to try to lose weight while pregnant.

That being said, I would think a diet which avoids sugar, junk food, starches, and highly processed convenience foods is healthy for nearly everyone, pregnant or not.

Naturally you'll consult with your doctor about it, and develop a plan to gain only as much weight as you need to in order to support a healthy pregnancy. Congratulations on the 50 pounds gone so far, and best wishes!

Sky
186/144/under 150

Hi Kelly
I'm sort of in the same place and started looking around for information. Everything I've found has said NOT to low carb while pg. BUT do stay away from sugars and refined carbs. The book "What to Expect when Expecting" has a good explanation of the diet to eat while pg. It also mentions that if you are bigger when you get pg that you may not have to gain as much with the pregnancy. I would also agree to talk with your doctor about it.

Emmie

Low carbing is ok while pregnant. In fact, that's the approach many OB/GYNs (the smart ones) use for managing gestational and borderline diabetes. What's not ok is being in ketosis.

There are several lower carb plans you might want to consider, like the Atkins maintanance plan or the Zone. I'd get as much info as possible and talk it over with the doctor. Then follow his/her advice.

HTH





Always eat your veggies first!

I think this article wa suseful to me... check it out.
H.

http://www.lowcarbluxury.com/pregnancy.html

Hey Kelly and welcome!

I wrote an article about this just before the old site crashed... Andrea is working hard to get the articles restored but until then, I'll tell you *my story*.

You can read about my weightloss struggles on my website, but suffice it to say, two years ago I was told by my endocrinologist that I had PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) and that I would probably not be able to have any more children. I was 100 pounds overweight and I had just been diagnosed with Type II diabetes.
Well, I went on Atkins and lost 50 pounds, *reversed* my diabetes, lowered my blood pressure and cholesterol, and <apparently> rid my body of PCOS.
I am now pregnant.

Naturally, I was (am) concerned about gaining the weight back -- and I'm very concerned about the diabetes rearing it's ugly head... SO.....
With my doctor's blessing, I am following a NON-ketogenic, low-carb diet. Basically, I am doing a Schwarzbein/Low-Glycemic Index approach and it seems to be working. I am now entering the beginning of my second trimester and I have not gained any weight! But I assure you, I am eating PLENTY!
With my two previous pregnancies, the first trimester gain was always an issue; with my first child, I think I gained 24 pounds!

I strongly encourage you to get 2 books:
The New Glucose Revolution by Jennie Brand Miller, PhD., et.,al. (just overlook the infuriatingly ironic remarks about low-carb diets! It's enough to make you scream)
and
The Schwarzbein Principle (actually, it would be good to get books I and II of this title) by Diana Schwarzbein, MD.

I think you CAN avoid sugars, breads, and *bad* carbs while pregnant and still eat a healthy, nutritious diet for your baby, but until more research is done, please do not allow yourself to go into ketosis.

I truly wish you the best of luck!

Summer


www.herstorygirl.com