Low carb while pregnant anyone?

Question

Anyone eating low carb while pregnant? I've heard mixed things about whether it is safe and what not.

I'm planning to eat low carb, but not in a dangerous way - I'll still eat "good" carbs. I am currently considered obese and I am about 215 lbs and I'm 5'5". Is it bad if I'm eating low carb and still losing weight while pregnant?

Answer

I'm not pregnant but I'm eating low carb and ttc. I've read that the gestational diabetes diet is a low carb. And a lot of people don't realize that low carb doesn't mean no carbs. I went from eating 270 carbs a day to 50.

Answer

I think this is something  you should talk to your doctor about. They are the experts on your and baby's health. 😊

Answer

Carbs are your bodies main source of fuel, and especially during pregnancy your overall calorie and carb needs are higher. Foods that contain carbs also contain alot of other nutrients that are necessary for a healthy pregnancy, so by restricting these foods you are at higher risk for nutrient deficiencies.  They also are an excellent source of fiber, so going too low in carbs may cause issues with constipation which is already common in pregnancy due to hormone changes.

For your height and weight I would recommend about 2000-2200 calories a day, and around 200g of total carb.  That should support a healthy weight gain of about 10-20 lbs total.  For your height and weight you don't need to gain as much weight, but I rarely recommend weight loss.  Again, the tricky thing about restricting you food intake or not gaining enough weight during pregnancy is that you risk nutrient deficiencies and poor fetal growth.  Rather than restricting carbs in general I would recommend focusing like you said on "good carbs", foods that are going to provide you and your baby with good fuel, vitamins and minerals (a good variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains/ nuts/ beans/legumes, and lean protein).

Low carb while pregnant anyone?

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