Losing weight before getting pregnant?

i currently need to lose 50 pounds, and was just wondering is it wise to lose the weight before i get pregnant, will i gain all of it back or should i just wait till afterwards?

5'6 and weigh 172 pounds

Tue. Aug 7, 12:13pm

You should lose it before you get pregnant. Pregnancies are much healthier, easier and safer when you are of healthy weight and fitness levels. Talk to your doc for a plan, with the knowledge that you are goign to try to get pregnant.

While you are pregnant, you should continue to do all of the healthy things you learn while you are losing the 50 lbs. That'll help to keep you from "gaining it all back," and will make it easier to lose the baby weight in the end. Healthy eating and exercise is very important during pregnancy.

Tuesday, August 7, 2007, 12:48 PM

Lose the weight before you get preggos!! if your healther going into the pregancy you'll be healthy during the 9month term and after.

Get moving now, continue moving during the preganacy and eating wise healthy meals, and move after the pregnancy too!!

I am a pilates instructor and always tell new mom's to take pilates after the doc gives them the okay to excercise...Pilates will help reduce slim down the tummy area!

Tuesday, August 7, 2007, 2:30 PM

I'd start taking pilates before the pregnancy - having a strong core can only be an asset during the later stages of pregnacny (it will help with the back pain) and delivery.

Interestingly I just read an article on overweight moms and pregnancy. Apparently the risk of birth defects is much higher for babies born to overweight moms. I'll link to it so you can read it. The risks are not high overall, but it's just one more bit of incentive.

Best wishes on your journey to a healthy pregnancy. You future kids will benefit from your good choices now.

Link

Tuesday, August 7, 2007, 3:24 PM

Definitely lose the weight before getting pregnant.

And definitely don't switch into "I can eat all I want now that I'm pregnant" mode once you do get pregnant. When you're at a reasonable weight, you only need the equivalent of a small snack in terms of extra calories - like a low fat yogurt and a piece of fruit.

Tuesday, August 7, 2007, 5:15 PM

I agree with all the posters above. Losing the weight first will make for a healthier pregnancy, and you will also develop healthy habits that will make it easier to gain a reasonable amount when you're pregnant. I gained 80 lbs with my son, I have 20 left to lose, and next time I definitely want to make more of an effort to gain the recommended 25-35!

Tuesday, August 7, 2007, 5:43 PM

I was 40 pounds overweight when I got pregnant and I wish I had managed to lose at least 20. I got gestational diabetes. But I promised myself I would not gain more then 25 pounds. I ended up gaining 27 pounds, I was extremely careful about what I ate and I walked every day regardless of weather. Within 3 weeks of giving birth I was a pound less then my pre-pregnany weight. It is possible to have a perfectly healthy pregnancy even though you need to lose weight. I would not put off trying just because you need to lose weight, after all it could take anywhere from 3-12 months, you just never know.

Tuesday, August 7, 2007, 6:41 PM

If you can lose the weight first. i got pregnant 3 months after my 1st was born and still had 30 lbs from the first pregnancy to loose so now I have to be strict on my dieting and very active to keep from getting too heavy. I don't want to get diabetes or high blood pressure.

Tuesday, August 7, 2007, 7:50 PM

Overweight pregnancy and birth defects

I am all for being close to your ideal weight when you have a baby, conceive, etc. It is healthier. I just wanted to point out that the link provide by one of the users stating that the risk of birth defects is higher in obese women, also states that overweight women should not worry about these birth defect risks. These risks were never confirmed to be related to the weight of the mothers, specifically. The link mentioned is included below. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2003824900_obese07.html

Monday, June 9, 2008, 5:13 PM

Also, at 5'6" and 172 lbs, you don't need to lose 50 lbs - you'd be close to underweight at 122 lbs!! 30-40 lbs would probably be healthier.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008, 10:44 AM

Plus, it can be really hard for some women to lose that baby weight...you don't want another 40 lbs to lose on top of it!

Tuesday, June 10, 2008, 11:25 AM

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