{"id":12768,"date":"2024-11-12T17:08:39","date_gmt":"2024-11-13T00:08:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.envrad.com\/?p=12768"},"modified":"2024-11-12T17:08:39","modified_gmt":"2024-11-13T00:08:39","slug":"dieting-during-pregnancy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.envrad.com\/dieting-during-pregnancy\/","title":{"rendered":"Is it safe to diet during pregnancy?"},"content":{"rendered":"

In short, no \u2014 restrictive dieting is not safe when pregnant. While many of us can be tempted to eat less while pregnant to limit overall weight gain, this strategy can be very dangerous for you and your baby’s health. Instead, it’s best to eat a healthy balance of foods to provide your baby and your body with the nutrients they need.<\/p>\n

How pregnancy affects hunger<\/h2>\n

Morning sickness and a lack of appetite in the first trimester are common due to several factors, including fatigue, blood pressure fluctuations and hormonal changes. As a result, your hunger can increase in the second and third trimesters, leading to cravings and mindless eating.<\/p>\n

Psychological and behavioral changes caused by increased hormones \u2014 specifically estrogen and progesterone \u2014 can affect tastebuds. You may randomly crave foods you usually dislike or find your favorite foods repulsive. You may even have a frequent sour or metallic taste in your mouth, even if you haven’t eaten anything for a while.<\/p>\n

The way your baby is positioned can also impact your hunger. For example, the baby can put more weight on your stomach and make you feel full.<\/p>\n

The long-term effects of dieting during pregnancy<\/h2>\n

While it’s a good idea to maintain a healthy weight during pregnancy, you should not go on a diet if pregnant. Remember that some weight gain is normal with pregnancy. Trying to stay at or below your pre-pregnancy weight can lead to complications for you and the baby in the long term, including:<\/p>\n