Weight Loss After Pregnancy: Realistic Things to Know About Losing Weight

After the bundle of joy finally arrives, many women start wondering when their bodies will return in the pre-pregnancy shape. We are talking today about pregnancy weight loss, so if this topic concerns you in any way, you are in the right place.

Pregnancy is a happy and exciting period, but you go through various psychological and physical changes during this time. Another human is growing inside your body, and this is naturally causing all these alterations. But many women, and you are probably one of them, want to get rid of pregnancy weight right after giving birth.  

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After giving birth, we are often focused on the health and wellbeing of the newborn. Nevertheless, as women, we have to understand that our own health isn’t any less significant. On that note, we would like to say that there isn’t anything good nor healthy about rapid pregnancy weight loss. Indeed, there are over the counter weight loss pills after pregnancy, but we advise against them. The best-case scenario is that they are harmless but completely ineffective. Keep in mind that they do cause harm in many cases, though.

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Being once where you are now and understanding your needs completely, we decided to share some weight loss tips after pregnancy that we found useful. Also, we will discuss what healthy weight loss after pregnancy means and why it is essential to shedding pounds carefully.  

Healthy Pregnancy Weight Loss 

The first thing to mention is that you will lose some weight right after delivery. In most cases, women lose about 13 pounds (around 5.9 kg), depending on the size of a child plus the weight of the placenta and amniotic fluid. Healthy weight loss and after pregnancy means that you drop somewhere between 0.5 and 1.5 pounds a week. 

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Tips for Losing Weight After Pregnancy

1. If you discussed your wishes with the healthcare provider and they agreed on that, you could start a pregnancy weight loss diet. Women should intake around 2000 calories per day to maintain weight and stay in good shape. If you are dieting after pregnancy, you should consume 500-750 calories less per day.  If you need help figuring this out, you can use a pregnancy weight loss calculator.
2. Take into consideration that you are losing weight also if you are breastfeeding. However, bear in mind that even if it is an effective calorie burner, you shouldn’t use it for these purposes intentionally. Breast milk is your baby’s source of nutrition, and you need to eat enough to produce it. 
3. Plan your diet carefully, so you eat balanced and healthy food. For example, you can focus on plant-based nutrition and eat more veggies and fruit, as well as whole grains. Additionally, you can opt for lean protein sources. Also, be careful about the size of your meals. 
4. Avoid sweets and salty snacks.
5. Even if you have never exercised before in your life, now is a great time to start. Exercise after pregnancy and in general is beneficial for multiple reasons, and in this case, it can contribute to faster pregnancy weight loss.
6. Sometimes it can be challenging to start exercising when you are doing it alone. But you can take the baby to a park, or invite other moms to join you.

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Sometimes women ask, “Can pregnancy cause weight loss?” As we all know, it usually causes weight gain. However, some women experience intense morning sickness and loss of appetite once they get pregnant, and this can lead to some weight loss in the first trimester. Also, overweight or obese women can experience some weight loss because the body uses fat to support the growth of the baby.

Conclusion:

We don’t feel well with carrying extra weight for one reason or another. Whatever way you choose to achieve pregnancy weight loss – diet, exercise, or a combination – it is essential that you do it responsibly. What are your experiences regarding losing weight after pregnancy?

Author’s bio: Beatrice Callan is a women’s health expert and a mom of a five-year-old girl. She is working in a Center for Women Health as a counsellor. Thinking about her experiences and talking with other moms inspired her to start a blog to share her tips and help women cope with a variety of issues they face during and after pregnancy.