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Dieting while pregnant

While it’s obviously not healthy to be overweight at any time, it’s been shown that going on a diet while pregnant may actually slow down foetal growth. So if you are a normal weight at the start of the pregnancy, it’s not a good idea to keep your weight down by cutting down on your food.

If you did restrict your calorie intake, in order to save energy, your baby would redirect blood flow away from his body and prioritise it to his most important organ – his brain.

What you eat now lays the foundation for your child’s future health

In recent years, research has shown that under famine conditions, or during periods of food shortage, babies are born smaller than average and are more likely to develop certain health problems in later adult life. These could be: heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.

If you’ve ever wondered what your baby’s weight might be at birth, the most likely indicators are: how tall the father is and what you weighed when you were born.

How much extra weight is okay?

Basically, the heavier you are before you get pregnant, the less weight proportionally, you should gain over the next nine months. So if you’re considered to be underweight, look at putting on 12.5 to 18kg (28-40lbs; 2-3stone). If you’re of average weight, look at gaining between 11.5 and 16kg (25-35lbs; 1-2.5stone). If you’re overweight aim for 7 to 11.5kg (15-25lbs; 0.5-1stone), and no more than 7kg (15lbs; 0.5stone) if you’re very overweight.

Right through your pregnancy, a nutritionally balanced diet is crucial

Of course, if you’re worried that your pregnancy will make you even heavier, talk to your GP or Midwife. You’ll probably be advised as to how much extra weight is right for you and how to ensure that you’re eating healthy meals and snacks.