Safe Weight Loss After Pregnancy

 

Marietta GA ObstetriciansWhile the average pregnancy weight gain is between 25 and 35 pounds, many women still choose to indulge during their pregnancies and fly by the “eating for two” mentality. Despite weight gain during pregnancy (whether average or above average), almost all women desire to lose all the extra pregnancy pounds as quickly as possible. They dream of fitting back into their pre-pregnancy jeans in six weeks or less to show their friends, co-workers, and husband that they’ve still got it. However, not only is this not physically possible for most women, it is also not safe or healthy.

It is incredibly important for women to keep their expectations regarding weight loss at a realistic level. For starters, women need to realize that it takes six weeks for the uterus to shrink back to around its pre-pregnancy size. While it is shrinking, it is still holding on to extra weight. Excess blood supply, breast tissue, and fat stores also take a while to loosen their grip on a post-partum body. This is especially true for women who are breastfeeding. Loosing too much weight too quickly can have a negative affect on the amount of breast milk that they are able to produce.

There are lots of things that you can do to lose your pregnancy weight and get into shape again, but it is really important that you allow yourself time and choose to lose weight safely. Remember that your body just birthed another human – that’s pretty remarkable!

  • Drink water, and lots of it!
  • Walk outside or on the treadmill or at an indoor gym at least 4x a week.
  • Eat a healthy diet with plenty of lean meats, fresh vegetables, and fresh fruits.
  • Limit sugar.
  • Get plenty of sleep – or at least as much as your new baby will allow!
  • Don’t forget to drink your water!

Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates, P.A. is here to support our patients before, during, and after pregnancy. Safe and effective weight loss after pregnancy is also a concern to patients, and we are here to support you in your efforts. But remember that you are not trying to “get your body back” because it didn’t go anywhere! You are concentrating on creating a healthy you, that is the proud Mama of a beautiful new baby.

Posted on behalf of Dr. Carlos Alarcon, Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates, P.A.