Although weight gain is frequently linked to pregnancy, some women actually lose weight unintentionally during this time. It can be worrisome, particularly if the cause is unclear.
Pregnancy-related weight loss can happen for a number of reasons, including underlying medical conditions and morning sickness. To protect the health of the mother and the unborn child, it is critical to identify the cause.
It is a good idea to speak with a healthcare provider if you notice a decrease in weight while pregnant. There are frequently easy fixes available to assist you in keeping a healthy balance.
- Why weight loss occurs?
- In the 1st trimester
- In the 2nd trimester
- In the 3rd trimester
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Why weight loss occurs?
Pregnant women gradually put on weight. Gaining too much weight is not typical. Weight gain should be modest each month. This occurs as a result of the baby’s gradual growth. One crucial clinical indicator is weight. This clinical criterion needs to be documented in the pregnant woman’s medical file by the attending physician overseeing the pregnancy. The dynamics of its change later on need to be evaluated. Over the course of her pregnancy, the expectant mother may gain between 12 and 15 kg. These values might even be higher in cases of multiple pregnancies. But during the whole pregnancy phase, the average gain is 10 kg.
After giving birth, the majority of women lament their weight gain. Pregnancy-related weight loss and irregular monthly gains are indicators that the female body may have certain disorders.
At different stages of pregnancy, weight loss can occur for a number of reasons. For every unique circumstance, a mandatory medical consultation is necessary. The fact that the expectant mother does not gain the required number of kilograms during her pregnancy cannot be disregarded. This may result in the unsuitable development of the unborn child inside the mother’s womb.
In the 1st trimester
Toxicosis is a fairly common cause of weight loss in the early stages of pregnancy. This is a condition that many women who have already become mothers are familiar with. Of course, the enjoyment of the most amazing and wonderful time in a woman’s life is greatly diminished when toxicosis manifests.
This condition is accompanied by numerous unfavorable symptoms. The most common of them is constant nausea. The severity of the symptom can vary. In some women, nausea becomes unbearable. The expectant mother is also worried about a decrease in appetite. Vomiting may occur in the morning. Even eating favorite and familiar foods can lead to vomiting. In order not to provoke vomiting, a woman artificially tries to limit their intake. If toxicosis lasts for quite a long time, this can contribute to the fact that the expectant mother simply stops gaining weight. The most critical situation can even lead to the fact that there will be no weight gain, but also weight loss.
Upon the onset of toxicosis symptoms, the expectant mother ought to consult a physician. Many mothers believe that this is a typical pregnancy side effect. This isn’t totally accurate. Severe toxicosis may pose a risk to a child’s normal development.
The most dangerous thing in this case is not even constant nausea or loss of appetite, a more unfavorable sign is vomiting. During it, the female body loses quite a lot of fluid. Also in this situation, there are also strong losses of vitamins and microelements. If the expectant mother is severely dehydrated, then this may even lead to her hospitalization. In this case, she will undergo intensive treatment. In this situation, the woman will be administered various solutions of drugs and electrolytes. This will help improve the general condition of the expectant mother. In some situations, a woman can lose weight in the first weeks of pregnancy and for physiological reasons. Experts noted that the more excess weight a woman has before conceiving a baby, the more kilograms she can lose.
The female body uses this response to get ready for the impending birth. The expectant mother will eventually stop losing weight and start to gain weight gradually.
In the 2nd trimester
If the expectant mother begins to lose weight further, this is an extremely unfavorable symptom. In such a situation, a mandatory consultation with a doctor is required. As a rule, the development of this condition is caused by various pathologies of the woman"s internal organs. Pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, in which there is a violation of the absorption of nutrients, can also provoke weight loss in the expectant mother. During the entire period of pregnancy, doctors recommend that women very carefully monitor their diet. It is extremely important to plan and compose your diet for expectant mothers who are carrying several babies at the same time. In this case, much more protein and nutrients are required for the full development of both babies.
Inadequate nutrition is another factor that can cause weight loss during pregnancy. During this time, vegetarian women may experience a protein shortage.
The end result of this is the emergence of dysmetabolic disorders. The mother’s weight will simply stop rising if she does not receive all the essential fats, carbohydrates, and proteins during the gestation period.
In most cases, pregnant women with toxicosis completely recover by the second trimester of pregnancy. But weight gain doesn’t happen right away. By 20 to 22 weeks of pregnancy, the expectant mother’s general health and well-being are usually compensated. The woman then starts to progressively put on weight. Any reduction in body weight by the middle of pregnancy is not a good sign. Under these circumstances, a quick trip to the doctor is necessary. In order to determine the cause that contributed to the development of this condition, the doctor will advise the expectant mother to undergo additional testing and investigations.
In the 3rd trimester
The final trimester of pregnancy is crucial. The female body adjusts at this time in preparation for childbirth. Numerous clinical parameters start to shift. These physiological alterations were created by nature for a specific purpose. The birthing process is extremely stressful for both the mother and the child. The woman loses a significant amount of blood during it. The next, equally significant stage that follows childbirth for the expectant mother is known as lactation. It requires enough time to get ready for. This kind of planning starts as early as the third trimester.
Even 2-2.5 kg can be lost by the expectant mother at 38–39 weeks of pregnancy. A scenario like this could indicate impending labor. In this instance, the expectant mother ought to relax. Her weight will gradually stabilize following delivery.
It’s crucial to keep an eye on any weight loss that occurs during pregnancy for a variety of reasons, including morning sickness, hormonal changes, and lifestyle modifications. It is best to consult your doctor if you experience sudden weight loss in order to rule out any health issues and make sure you and the unborn child are receiving the proper nutrients.
| Reasons for weight loss during pregnancy | What to do |
| Morning sickness | Eat small, frequent meals and stay hydrated |
| Stress or anxiety | Practice relaxation techniques and talk to your doctor |
| Dietary changes | Ensure a balanced diet with enough calories |
| Increased activity | Adjust exercise routine and rest more |
| Health conditions | Consult your doctor for a check-up |
While losing weight while pregnant can be worrisome, knowing why it’s happening can help you deal with the situation more skillfully. Unexpected weight loss may be caused by dietary changes, underlying medical conditions, or morning sickness. To protect your health and the health of your unborn child, it’s critical to recognize and address these problems.
It’s imperative to speak with a healthcare provider if you lose a lot of weight. Based on your unique circumstances, they can provide personalized guidance and treatment recommendations. A balanced diet and weight monitoring are essential for promoting a healthy pregnancy.
You can control your weight loss and maintain the progress of your pregnancy by being proactive and knowledgeable. Recall that taking care of these issues early on can guarantee a better outcome for your child and you.
