A healthy diet during pregnancy provides the building blocks you and your baby need for maximum health. Eating right may also make your delivery easier. As you progress through your pregnancy, incorporating whole foods like lean protein, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables into your pregnancy diet plan is a great way to ensure your baby gets the nutrients it needs for a healthy start.
How much weight do you gain in pregnancy?
Losing weight while pregnant? What it might mean
You will likely see the most pregnancy weight gain in your third trimester, as that is when babies start to gain weight. But what if you find yourself losing weight while pregnant?
Weight loss during pregnancy could be caused by something simple, but it may also be indicative of insufficient fetal growth or a decrease in amniotic fluid. Oligohydramnios — low amniotic fluid — occurs in just 4% of pregnancies, but is a valid concern as it can lead to preterm birth.
"When I was 20 weeks pregnant with Nina, we went in for a routine ultrasound and it was discovered that my amniotic fluid was very low, measuring at a 3 when it should have been somewhere between 8 and 10. I was given steroid shots to help with Nina’s lung development," mom Krista wrote on Hand to Hold NICU Babies.
"At 30 weeks and 4 days, my water broke, but I was told as long as I wasn’t in active labor, I could keep Nina in until 34 weeks. About 12 hours later, I went into labor. I was wheeled in for a C-section due to Nina being breech, and within 5 minutes, she was out and crying."
In some cases, pregnancy weight loss can also indicate high blood pressure or preeclampsia, which is why prenatal visits are so important. Your healthcare provider will monitor your progress and perform labs and urinalyses throughout your pregnancy.
